Hearts 1 - 3 Dundee United

The concept of unity is strewn across the pages of the Hearts programme like Lithuanians across their first-team squad.

Both Anatoly Korobochka, the sport director, and Roman Romanov, the chairman, mused on the need for togetherness in Saturday's issue, and thanked those who populate the stands for their support during a recent run of six wins in seven matches. The Gorgie denizens could be, Korobochka claimed, a 12th man against Dundee United. Instead, their restlessness handicapped Hearts.

It was not until the 89th minute that Calum Elliot actually left the field - dismissed for slapping a Lee Wilkie header off the goal-line - but by that stage he had endured enough. An enthusiastic combatant, the striker had long since withered - a consequence of the criticism cascading from the stands.

Barely a few minutes had elapsed, with Hearts swarming all over their visitors, when Elliot first riled his notional backers. A snap of the neck would have directed Laryea Kingston's fizzing centre into the net, but instead he tried to control the cross, spurning the opportunity. The catcalls commenced.

An early dent to his morale, but as almost every subsequent endeavour met with similar derision his willingness waned.

Afterwards, Steve Frail, the Job of Midlothian, dismissed the notion that the customers hindered his side but admitted frustration was abound.

Their indignation was exacerbated by Craig Thomson, the referee. For a 15-minute spell during a frantic first half, the official opted to employ a strict application of the laws. The majority of the resultant cautions were correct, if a touch penal, but those clad in maroon were unwilling to adopt a considered stance.

That the referee resumed control is to his credit, with two late dismissals unavoidable. Elliot denied a clear goalscoring opportunity, while Grzegorz Szamotulski, the United goalkeeper, had been booked when he raced out and clattered into Mauricio Pinilla.

The subsequent free-kick was lashed past Euan McLean, the replacement custodian, by Kingston but further punishment will be the Pole's suspension for Sunday's encounter with Rangers. Yet Craig Levein, the manager, claims to have no qualms about entrusting the young Scot with the gloves for a match that could draw his side level with the Ibrox outfit in the table.

On the strength of this showing, and the fact United have yet to lose a league goal, never mind a game, at Tannadice this term, his contentment is understandable. Levein described it as a day when everything they had worked on in training transpired but there was a real intelligence to the visiting players' approach.

After an initial pounding, their bravery on the ball and desire to retain possession allowed them to establish a platform and two smartly taken Jordan Robertson goals ensured an interval advantage. Sitting back after the interval, they defended diligently, pressed persistently and attacked with alacrity whenever the chance arose, gradually drawing the sting from the hosts.

That they added a third goal through Barry Robson's penalty conversion after Elliot's handball was fitting. As was the fact every United outfield player went to their of supporters to thank them for their backing.

A lesson, perhaps, the home fans could learn from.

By RICHARD WINTON

Taken from the Herald