Hearts 2 Dundee United 1

By DAVID FRIEL
Published: 24th December 2012

HEARTS players won’t be banking any Christmas bonuses this year.

But Ryan Stevenson’s deadly double gave the cash-strapped Jambos the perfect festive gift.

Deferring all bonus payments until the end of the season saw Hearts hit with a controversial SPL transfer ban.

So it was ironic that Stevenson — the last player John McGlynn signed — fired them back into the top six.

Hearts are now just three points below city rivals Hibs and are closing in on the struggling Easter Road side.

But despite Stevenson’s heroics, Jambos legend and United midfielder Rudi Skacel was the key figure — and not in a positive way for the Arabs.

Hearts rolled out the welcome mat for their homecoming hero — but all he got was a painful reminder of the good old days.

Despite him now being a United player, this basically doubled as a tribute match for the Czech ace.

It was bizarre. He was the match programme cover star and got the full ‘We’re not worthy’ treatment when he emerged for kick-off.

The Hearts supporters also rose to acclaim Skacel after 51 minutes — a nod to his double in last season’s Scottish Cup final win over Hibs.

He resisted the temptation to wave, before finally applauding them.

United fans, understandably, were RAGING at his actions.

What sort of message does it send out when one of your players is hailing the opposition supporters when you are 2-0 down?

Arabs boss Peter Houston would have been within his rights to haul Skacel off there and then.

He was a disgrace.

He lasted a while longer and the Czech star played a part in Keith Watson’s second-half consolation goal.

But United fans must surely be questioning his commitment to the cause when he seemed much more interested in keeping the Jambos crowd happy.

McGlynn made one change from last week’s 2-2 draw at St Johnstone — Dylan McGowan replacing Callum Paterson in midfield.

United gaffer Houston named the exact same side that drew 4-4 with Inverness in a bonkers SPL classic at Tannadice.

The Arabs were out for sweet revenge after losing a League Cup quarter-final penalty shoot-out to Hearts back in October.

But United skipper Jon Daly was far too ambitious with the first effort — blazing a 30-yard volley miles over.

Rudi Skacel goes off
Subbed ... Rudi Skacel goes off
Andy Barr

The opening spell was torture to watch as both sides battled against a strong wind and heavy pitch.

There was little festive cheer. We even had a Hearts fan in a Santa hat unleash a foul-mouthed blast at ref Craig Thomson.

Hearts finally settled and Stevenson felt he should have had a penalty after tangling with Skacel on the edge of the box. However he was celebrating moments later as shoddy defending from United handed the Jambos a 15th-minute opener.

Stopper Brian McLean made a hash of a clearance and Hearts midfielder Dylan McGowan shelled the ball back into the box.

Hearts hitman John Sutton used his strength to bully McLean and keep the danger alive — allowing Stevenson to fire home from eight yards.

After shipping four to Caley Thistle last week, it was another disaster for the United rearguard.

McLean looked devastated and wasted a golden chance to make amends minutes later.

Barry Douglas’ superb cross was met by Daly and Jamie MacDonald could only nudge the ball in McLean’s direction.

But somehow he missed from two yards with the goal at his mercy — clipping the post with a poor finish.

United — wearing black armbands in memory of Charlie Adam Snr — were looking more lively, yet Hearts were a constant menace.

Gavin Gunning’s long-range free-kick was charged down and suddenly the Jambos were on the move in a quick counter.

Gordon Smith played a perfect pass to Andy Driver — but the winger opted to cross instead of shoot and the chance was lost.

United looked fragile at the back and they again shot themselves in the foot as they gave away a penalty on the half-hour mark.

The Arabs failed to deal with Ryan McGowan’s long throw and Willo Flood was penalised for a tug on Dylan McGowan.

The Irish midfielder led the furious complaints but Stevenson ignored the fuss to casually send Rado Cierzniak the wrong way.

MacDonald saved Daly’s effort before half-time and McLean headed over at the start of the second half.

Gaffer Houstie had clearly made his point in the dressing — there was far more purpose to United’s play.

And they got a lifeline after 57 minutes when Watson — looking as if he was offside — pounced on Skacel’s sliced shot and fired past MacDonald.

Chances came at both ends and MacDonald was furious at Daly after he caught him with a painful-looking follow-through.

Skacel blazed a volley over then won a foul on the edge of the box after being caught by Marius Zaliukas.

It was perfect territory for the Czech deadball specialist, but he let Barry Douglas take it and his shot hit the wall.

That seemed bizarre and he was subbed soon after — again waving to the Hearts fans who gave him a standing ovation. Needless to say, the Arabs section again let their fury be known. Not that Skacel probably noticed. Or cared.

McGlynn’s side had chances to kill it. Cierzniak made top saves from Webster and sub Paterson.

Thomson added FIVE minutes of injury-time and Johnny Russell blazed over as Hearts held on for three vital league points.

And that was the biggest bonus McGlynn’s side could have asked for after another difficult week.