Hearts 1
Dundee Utd 1
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

The only outstanding Premier fixture of the season was of completely academic importance for both clubs, consequently both managers took the opportunity to blood several youngsters. In the tangerine ranks central defender Brian Welsh made the most of his chance with an impressive first team debut.

The action came think and fast in the first half. Only three minutes had gone when Gary Mackay was brought down due to the combined efforts of Brian Welsh and Gordon McLeod, the outcome a penalty which was hammered home by John Robertson. Skipper for the night Billy Kirkwood was operating to effect in a central stiking tole but it was a John Clark free-kick which first posed problems to Henry Smith. John's full blooded effort from a free-kick bounded off Henry Smith's chest. In the 20th minute Billy Kirkwood was on hand to pick up a misplaced pass back, but his run was ended in the box when he was updended by Henry Smith . Billy got up to beat Smith from the penalty spot.

The tempo continued to rise and in the 35th minute Harry Curran was booked following a high tackle on Murray which caused the Hearts full-back to be immediately carried off and the United defender substituted shortly afterwards. Following the break, the pace slackened a good deal and it was is rather than Hearts who threatened most. John Clark again from a free-kick and Joe McLeod both went close to grabbing a winner. Before that Billy Kirkwood fouled Crabbe who retaliated and was ordered off whilst the United skipper earned a yellow card.