Dundee United 0-1 Hearts

The Tannadice fixture is normally one that I'm happy to attend but due to a combination of reasons (apathy being among them!) I was unable to make it and give a full assessment of how the match went. So therefore, you're probably much more likely to get an accurate summary of events for a change!

Hearts controversially had Craig Gordon on the bench for the game today. Some reports are saying that he had a cold and Valdas didn't want to risk him with the derby match in mind, but I don't buy that to be honest. If that was the case he wouldn't have been in the squad at all. Let's face it - Gordon has been punished in exactly the same way as Hartley was last week by being dropped for one match and I fully expect to see him in the team to face Hibs. If that doesn't happen then there's obviously a much bigger problem than we think!

From the various reports I've been given on the game though, it sounds like Gordon's replacement Stevie Banks came in and did a sterling job up there. I remember the last time I saw Banks playing, which was at Parkhead last season when Gordon was suspended. Banks played a blinder that day and is definitely a man to be relied upon when you need him, which is exactly what you want from your number two goalkeeper.

It sounds very much like it was a good open game, with United having more direct goal attempts but Hearts perhaps retaining possession more intelligently. Both goalkeepers received plaudits for their performances, with Stillie having an outstanding double-save in the second half to keep it at 0-0 and Banks producing two great late saves to allow Hearts to hold on for the three points.

The goal came from the penalty spot after 55 minutes, when Stuart Duff was adjudged to have used his hand to block Takis Fyssas' header from a corner. Paul Hartley stepped up to do his usual expert job of the spot-kick, which is now his 15th consecutive penalty success for Hearts. Impressive.

Towards the end of the match United came close to levelling it and they would have done so had it not been for the aforementioned late heroics of Banks.

But whether it was fully merited or not, this is a big, big result for Hearts. Not only does it keep them in touch with second-placed Rangers, but more importantly perhaps gives them a timely boost in confidence ahead of the busy festive programme.

If they can just get their home form sorted out, preferably starting with the derby on Boxing Day, then perhaps we can look at something being salvaged from a season that has at times looked like becoming disastrous.