Hearts1–0Dundee Utd

There were three changes in the Tannadice line-up from the side which drew at Perth. Dave Narey returned after injury whilst Victor Ferreyra replaced Darren Jackson who was still suffering from a slight strain. The other alteration was Mixu Paatelainen's presence to the exclusion of Ray McKinnon who joined Alex Cleland on the bench. Hearts immediately went on the attack and whilst we would readily concede that they had the bulk of possession in the first half, the better chances came our way. The first of several fine saves by Smith in Hearts' goal came when he held a 20 yarder from Freddy van Der Hoorn, but only at the second attempt. Then he tipped over a Mixu Paatelainen header. He could do nothing, however, as Victor Ferreyra burst through and the ball rebounded off the Argentinian as he was tackled and the ball rebounded narrowly past the post. Victor Ferreyra volleyed just wide as we continued to carve out the better chances from a lesser share of possession. Victor then hit a volley on target which Smith tipped over. Apart from a couple of long range efforts immediately before half-time, Hearts had failed to open up the Tannadice rearguard.

As the second half opened Mixu Paatelainen shot narrowly past, but Hearts looked in more penetrative mood, but only Levein's outstretched leg diverted Victor Ferreyra's shot on target. The game had become a little bit scrappy and with 17 minutes left Levein was red-carded for a foul on Victor Ferreyra and from the free-kick Mixu Paatelainen wheeled to hit a volley which Smith tipped over. Ten-man Hearts raced to the other end and Eamonn Bannon tucked away a McKinlay cross which was to prove their match-winner. Mixu Paatelainen did get the ball in the net with a header, but it was ruled out of a foul on the goalkeeper and our dismal record at Tynecastle - its now 7 years since we won there - continues.