MATCH REPORT | DUFCW SPIRITED PERFORMANCE DESPITE RESULT IN THE CAPITAL

Despite a spirited performance on Sunday, Dundee United Women fell to a 3-0 defeat away to Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Power Women’s Premier League. 

Two late goals in the first half from former United attacker Danni Findlay and Kathleen McGovern were added to by the latter shortly after the break to seal the points.

Graeme Hart made two changes from the opening day defeat to Partick Thistle; Niamh Noble and Summer Christie replacing Georgie Robb and Jo Fraser.

The hosts forced Megan Sidey into an early save at the Oriam as Georgia Timms saw her long range strike held.

In the thirteenth minute Katie Lockwood thought she had broken the deadlock when she stabbed an effort across the face of goal with it rolling just wide for a goal kick.

United’s first chance came after 23 minutes when a ball into the box caused claims for a handball that were waved away; Claire Delworth firing the loose ball over the bar.

Megan Sidey then denied Hearts twice in quick succession with some smart saves.

On the half hour mark Summer Christie saw her effort from outside the box held by the Hearts keeper meanwhile at the other end Timms had a powerful header fly past the post.

Hearts took the lead nine minutes before the break; Emma Brownlie’s free kick hit the crossbar and first to react was Danni Findlay to grab her first goal of the season.

The advantage was doubled on the stroke of half time and it was another set piece that was United’s undoing when Kathleen McGovern rose highest to head Ciara Grant’s free kick past Megan Sidey.

HALF-TIME - HEARTS WOMEN 2 DUNDEE UNITED WOMEN 0

The hosts were to further increase their lead three minutes into the second half as McGovern curled a low free kick into the back of the net.

Robyn Smith tested Hearts keeper Lisa Rodgers after racing onto a long ball with United looking for a way on the scoresheet.

McGovern looked for a hat trick with another free kick just after the hour mark as Sidey tipped the ball round the post.

With eighteen minutes remaining midfielder Summer Christie saw her effort blocked inside the Hearts box.

United came closest to scoring in the dying stages of the match as substitute Olivia Hurrell broke clear of her marker to latch on to a through ball; the teenager let fly but could only watch as her effort beat the keeper and rattled the crossbar before being cleared.

FULL-TIME - HEARTS WOMEN 3 DUNDEE UNITED WOMEN 0

Despite the result, Graeme Hart was pleased with a much improved performance than the previous week and will hope his side can build on this on Wednesday when they host Hibernian at Foundation Park.

M. Sidey, Delworth, Frew, Wilson, Jameison, Smith, Todd, L. Sidey, Christie, Cowper, Noble (Knight 84)

Subs not used: Bruce, Murphy, Taylor, Sangster (gk)

Booked: Jameison

The Women's team are back in action once more this Wednesday evening for their first home match in the Scottish Power SWPL1 at Foundation Park when Hibs are the visitors.

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