Dundee Utd 0
Hearts 1
Scottish Cup (Semi Final)

Match Report

Hearts continued their persistent winning ways, notching up their 28th consecutive match without defeat and it was the first half that was mainly responsible for this latest success. There was little doubt that the Tynecastle side held the upper hand in the opening period. Their goal had its origins in their own half when Craig Levein mopped up a United attack. took a return pass from Sandy Jardine. He then pumped a high bait into the heart of the United box, Paul Hegarty nodded the ball clear, but only to John Colquhoun who volleyed the ball over Billy Thomson's out-stretched arms.

Naturally boosted by this breakthrough, Hearts dominated for a spell and went close, particularly when Walter Kidd was sent clear, but his shot went wide. Our best effort in the first half came when Ian Redford got in a header but a Hearts defender deflected it for a comer. Kevin Gallacher replaced Billy Kirkwood after half-time and immediately we almost equalised when Ian Redford sent in a powerful drive from the left but Henry Smith just managed to turn it round the post. The Hearts' 'keeper came to the rescue twice more. Firstly when he foiled Richard Gough with a tremendous save from the full-backs' header and again when he was on the spot to block a well struck shot from Paul Sturrock, following our best move of the match.

It wasn't to be, however, and an equaliser wasn't forthcoming, so Hearts booked a date with Aberdeen in the final.