First Team
LOUIS MOULT NOMINATED FOR PFA SCOTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYER OF THE YEAR
25th April 2024
cinch Premiership
Hearts 4
DUNDEE UNITED 1
3pm Sunday 14th August
Tynecastle Park
Early goals in both halves helped Hearts on their way to victory at Tynecastle.
United returned to Premiership action this weekend in a tie between last season’s third and fourth-placed teams.
Jack Ross made three changes to the side that played in Alkmaar during midweek with Ross Graham, Glenn Middleton and Mathew Cudjoe coming in for Craig Sibbald, Dylan Levitt, and Steven Fletcher.
There was also a tactical switch as Charlie Mulgrew dropped into midfield alongside Jamie McGrath and Ian Harkes.
It was a disappointing start for the Terrors as Hearts opened the scoring inside the opening minute.
A neat move down the right-hand side allowed Cammy Devlin the opportunity to drive the ball across goal for Lawrence Shankland who cooly lifted the ball over Mark Birighitti from six yards.
Hearts then had two chances to double their lead with Birigitti keeping them at bay.
Alan Forrest was the first to drive at the United defence, forcing Birighitti into a save.
The resultant corner was kept alive by Rowles who clipped the ball into the area - again bringing our Australian shot-stopper into action to gather at the feet of Shankland.
Barrie McKay replicated the move moments later, driving from his own half before his left-footed strike was smartly saved by Birighitti.
Mathew Cudjoe was the first in the book with a late foul on McKay just outside the United penalty area.
However, the following free kick was comfortably dealt with by the tangerine back line.
The Terrors settled into the game as the first half wore on - enjoying spells down either flank.
Glenn Middleton sent in a teasing low cross that was diverted wide for a corner before a Ryan Edwards long-range effort was smartly pushed out by Gordon.
Hearts started the second period much the same as the first, grabbing their second strike on 47 minutes.
This time it was Barrie McKay who picked up the ball on the left-hand side and cut inside to beat his man before curling a low-range effort into Birighitti’s far corner to put the home side 2-0 up.
United responded with changes as Mathew Cudjoe and Charlie Mulgrew were replaced by Craig Sibbald and Steven Fletcher.
However, Hearts had their third just after the hour mark.
Michael Smith’s shot was beaten away by Birighitti but the ball fell right at the feet of Jorge Grant who couldn’t miss from close range.
Fletcher's first goal in tangerine
United were given a lifeline with 20 minutes to play.
Tony Watt linked up well with Aziz Behich who found himself inside the area.
The full-back was bundled over before he could pull the trigger and Colin Steven pointed straight to the spot.
Steven Fletcher stepped up to hit the penalty and fired the ball low into the right corner to notch his first goal for the Terrors.
But late on, United were caught out on the break once more. This time, Josh Ginnelly did well to keep his cool after breaking free and slid the ball under Birighitti to give the home side their fourth of the afternoon.
TEAMLINES
Starting XI: Birighitti, Smith, Mulgrew (Sibbald 51'), Graham, Edwards, Middleton, Behich, McGrath, Harkes, Cudjoe (Fletcher 51') & Watt
Subs: Eriksson, McMann, Niskanen, Clark, Meekison, Freeman & Fotheringham
NEXT UP
Jack Ross’ men are back at home next weekend as we face St Mirren on Saturday at Tannadice Park.
