Terrors Break Hearts on Last Visit to Tynecastle

Starting XI (Hearts of Midlothian): MacDonald, Paterson, McHattie, Robinson, McGowan, Wilson, Stevenson, Hamil, Carrick, Smith and Nicholson
Subs: Ridgers, Holt, McKay, King, Oliver, McGhee and Beith
Booked: None
Subs Used: King, McKay and Holt

Starting XI (Dundee United): Cierzniak, Wilson, Robertson, Paton, Dillon, Gunning, Armstrong, Rankin, Ciftci, Graham and Dow
Subs: Butcher, Gauld, Souttar, McCallum, Gomis, El Alagui and Smith
Booked: None
Subs Used: Smith, Gauld and El Alagui

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My Man of the Match: Brian Graham

The teams are led out onto the well watered Tynecastle pitch due to heavy rain fall throughout the evening. Which was set to continue throughout the match, seeing producers turn difficult as United were looking to hold there winning run together. As well as Hearts looking to try and fight to not be relegated before the end of the season.

United start of the stronger team with them taking the early chances, through Rankin, Robertson and Ciftci. However, Hearts was trying to pressure Cierzniak in the United goal but nothing was able to come of this and United just kept piling on the pressure to MacDonald.

photo; Jackie applauding fans

With United pushing to break the dead lock they finally manage to do it with 10 minutes to go in the first half when Brian Graham does so in the 35th minute, Robertson crosses the ball into the box and from close range Graham manages to put it into the back of the net.

United now one goal up Hearts try and get back into the game but they don't manage to get the goal back before the break. Even though both Paterson and Stevenson had shots for Hearts over United not having any chances after their goal but they were able to hold onto their lead.

Half Time Hearts of Midlothian 0 - 1 Dundee United

Rain stopped for a period of time, the teams come to begin the second half. United well prepared to keep their advantage. Whereas Hearts were looking to get back into the game and looked to share the spoils.

United come out and within the first 10 minutes United have had four shots on goals, neither managing to get into the back of the net though. Nicholson had a shot for Hearts but they weren't able to get it into the back of the net either.

Second half turning out to be very poor as pitch conditions decrease, play was getting rough and not the type of football that should be played in the Premier League.

photo; Ciftci scoring

70 minutes gone Nadir Ciftci, finally manages to find the back of the net after two attempts on goal within the past five minutes. A Dow assist sees Ciftci put the ball into the back of the net from outside the box, extending United's lead.

United looking to have the comfortable two goal advantage. 8 minutes later Hearts see a goal back through Danny Wilson, a header into the box from a Nicholson cross, sees Hearts get a goal back and push for another goal to get a point from the game.

With no further action being taken throughout the game, it ends with United taking all three points.

Full Time Hearts of Midlothian 1 - 2 Dundee United


photo; celebrations between the team

Attendance: 13,448 with 906 travelling Dundee United fans

My man of the match goes to Brian Graham, he was showing why he deserves a start after his performance last Saturday (15th March) against St Mirren. He changed the game and he managed to break the dead lock in this game. He is my man of the match because he has amazing passion for the game and in my opinion deserves a place in the starting XI.

Also a mention to Scott Smith who got his first team debut tonight. It may have only been for a minute or so but it was a well deserved debut and I hope this is a sign of things to come.

photo; Armstrong in action