Hearts 2
Dundee Utd 0
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

United travelled to the Capital, hoping to bring almost ten years without a victory to an end. Paddy Connolly came in for Robbie Winters in an attempt to bring some added punch to an attack which had only been on target once in the three previous outings. Billy McKinlay was fit again, but he wasn't on from the start, sitting alongside Robbie Winters on the bench.

As a contest, this game took a while to get going. Christian Dailly twice within the space of a minute hammered shots over the bar. but congestion in midfield, the game rarely flowed. A less than memorable first half appeared to be heading to an inevitably goalless conclusion, when concentration in the Tannadice defence lapsed in the very last minute of the half. Frail sent over a cross from the right and John Millar headed strongly past Kelham O'Hanlon from ten yards on the stroke of half-time.

It was the only effort either side had managed on target in the first 45 minutes! Billy McKinlay replaced Alex Cleland at the break and United with Dave Bowman stepping back to right back enjoyed their best period of the game. Ten minutes into the second half. Nelson was in serious action for the first time touching Craig Brewster's angular shot from 20 yards round the post. The Hearts keeper dropped the resultant corner and Jamieson had to hack clear Paddy Connolly's header. The men in tangerine were now dominating play, but Hearts came through that spell to snatch a second and killer goal when Willie Jamieson sneaked round the back of the United defence to direct a downward header past Kelham O'Hanlon at the far post from Miller's free-kick on the left.

A minute later the Hearts full-back who'd created their second goal was on defensive duties when he prevented Brian Welsh from scoring, clearing the United defender's header off the line. Frustration in the Tannadice ranks I was in evidence in the closing stages with three players being booked as United's poor Tynecastle record stretched to almost exactly ten years.

Hegarty said, "The players have to take a close look at themselves and take stock of the situation."