Dundee Utd 3-1 Heart of Midlothian

From Hearts Media at Tannadice.

Ten man Hearts fell to defeat on Tayside, as Dundee Utd ran out 3-1 winners at Tannadice.

John McGlynn stuck with the same side that drew in Dingwall, while Dundee Utd named an unchanged side after their Scottish Cup win over Rangers.

Things didn't start well for the Jambos. Having barely touched the ball from kick-off, Gary Mackay-Steven found Johnny Russell in the 18 yard box, and the striker repeated his feat from last week by putting his side in front within two minutes of the start

Despite losing an early goal, Hearts started to find their way back into the game. Michael Ngoo showed trademark strength and guile to earn a corner with a powerful run down the left wing, and although the corner found its target, Marius Zaliukas' header was easily saved by Radoslaw Cierzniak in the United goal.

After quarter of an hour, Russell and Zaliukas contested a high ball with the striker leaning into the Jambos skipper. Zaliukas appeared to land awkwardly and was clearly in some distress. A stretcher was called for and, although not required, the captain could not continue, and was replaced by Darren Barr.

After the restart, a long ball from the resulting free kick found Ngoo 25 yards out, and the big striker unleashed a rocket of a shot that had Cierzniak beaten all ends up. Sadly for Hearts, his effort smacked off the crossbar and out of play. A real moment of quality from a very promising player.

Ryan Stevenson received his marching orders after 26 minutes after a challenge with Gary Mackay-Steven, referee Willie Collum issuing the midfielder with a straight red for his troubles.

The second half began quietly, with the home side content to keep possession although Macdonald had to look sharp to save a low shot from Russell.

On 62 minutes, Dundee Utd doubled their lead. Having beaten a few men, Willo Flood played a one-two with Johnny Russell and showed great composure to slot the ball past Macdonald.

Shortly after, John McGlynn made a double switch introducing Scott Robinson and John Sutton for King and Walker. Ngoo was in the heart of the action again when he cut inside the United defence and curled a wonderful effort that once again rattled the Cierzniak crossbar.

However, Ngoo was not to be denied. From a Mullen corner, there was a scramble in the box and the England youth international controlled the ball beautifully, before hammering the ball home off the post for a deserved goal.

Although Hearts pushed for an equaliser, they were caught on the counter attack and Jon Daly's low cross was converted by substitute Michael Gardyne from three yards out.

Dundee Utd: Cierzniak; Watson, Dillon, Gunning (McLean 71'), Douglas; Flood, Armstrong, Rankin, Mackay-Steven (Gardyne 77'); Russell, Daly. Subs not used: Banks, Millar, Ryan, Dow, Souttar.

Hearts: Macdonald; Mullen, Webster, Zaliukas (Barr 19'), Wilson; Stevenson, Tapping, Holt; B.King (Sutton 67'), Ngoo, Walker (Robinson 67'). Subs not used: Ridgers, Prychynenko, Driver, Novikovas.

Referee: Willie Collum

Top man: Michael Ngoo

Hearts World