Assured finishing by Scotland prospect Colin Cameron lifted Hearts level on points with champions Rangers at the top of the Premier Division.

Midfielder Cameron struck on the half-hour mark and again with 10 minutes remaining to steer Hearts to victory over a stubborn Dundee United at Tynecastle.

It was an often nervy showing from the Edinburgh outfit who lost momentum for a long period after the interval, but the visitors were unable to punish them.

Cameron's first was a superb moment of opportunism after Maurice Malpas failed to clear a Steve Fulton long ball.

His second was also aided by uncertain United defending, Steven Pressley presenting Cameron with the ball via a loose square pass.

Cameron needed no second invitation to pick up the ball and, after drawing United keeper Sieb Dykstra, he slotted in a clinching second.

Hearts manager Jim Jefferies will know it was rarely a performance of title vintage, but a measure of good fortune late on was deserved after an enterprising start to the match.

United probably created more chances overall, but were unable to take any, and must now be careful to ensure they do not slip into the relegation mire.

Gilles Rousset's failure to shake off a persistent dose of flu gave Hearts second choice keeper Roddy McKenzie another chance to impress he did not quite take, lacking conviction on crosses.

Cameron, rested for the 2-0 Scottish Cup win over Clydebank, returned for Jim Hamilton, while Dave McPherson stepped in for David Weir who underwent knee surgery in midweek.

Dundee United, unfortunate in losing a late winner to Celtic on Tuesday, welcomed back veteran Malpas from suspension with Magnus Skoldmark switched to substitute.

Manager Tommy McLean surprisingly retained Gary McSwegan in his team leaving out top scorer Robbie Winters for the second consecutive game, only swapping the pair after 65 minutes.

Adam was floored in the opening moments after an accidental clash of heads with Malpas, but was able to continue after treatment.

Fulton offered the first threat for the home side, cutting in from the left to send an angled drive just over from distance.

Neil McCann was put clear by a clever Adam touch after six minutes, but pulled his effort across the face of the goal.

After nine minutes Adam pulled down a pass from Cameron and fired a powerful snapshot just wide of target.

Mark Perry's inside pass found Olofsson after 27 minutes and the Swede unleashed a well struck shot well held by McKenzie.

The home side's response was swift, with Austrian Flogel hitting a 20-yard low drive which Dykstra saved.

But the keeper was powerless on the half-hour after a rare lapse by Malpas was seized upon by Cameron, who drilled Hearts ahead.

McCann again cut in from the left with purpose after 38 minutes, but his low shot found Dykstra alert at his near post.

For United, McSwegan's neat lay-off set up a chance for Siggi Jonsson, but he hesitated and his eventual shot was blocked.

Olofsson missed a clear opportunity to level after 48 minutes when he fired wastefully over when unmarked inside the area.

The Swede then crossed well for Perry but his glancing header went just past the upright with keeper McKenzie looking uncertain.

Jonsson snatched at another chance after 56 minutes blazing over after the ball was squared to him by Lars Zetterlund.

Hearts were struggling to stay ahead under the onslaught, but still almost doubled their advantage after 65 minutes.

Cameron picked up a loose ball on the edge of the area and got over a sharp half-volley superbly tipped on to the crossbar by the agile Dykstra.

Substitute Winters created another chance for Olofsson, again spurned, with the forward heading over from point blank range and moments later Cameron punished the visitors a second time.

Late on McCann hit the bar with a rising shot and Hearts, their spirits lifted by news of Rangers' loss at St Johnstone, finished the better, and altogether happier, side.

Edinburgh remains a rugby city, but at this rate football is mounting a real challenge courtesy of Hearts.

Teams:

Hearts: McKenzie, Locke, Naysmith, McPherson, Salvatori, Ritchie, McCann, Fulton, Adam (Hamilton 86), Cameron, Flogel (Murray 72).

Subs Not Used: Quitongo.

Goals: Cameron 30, 79.

Dundee Utd: Dykstra, Bowman (Easton 78), Malpas, Pressley, Perry, Pedersen, Olofsson, Zetterlund, McSwegan (Winters 65), Jonsson, McLaren.

Subs Not Used: Skoldmark.

Att: 14,414

Ref: W Young (Clarkston).


Taken from sportinglife.com