Sam Dalby’s header proved decisive as Dundee United capitalised on a first-half crimson card for Hearts ahead James Wilson to win 1-0 at Tynecastle and enhance their European hopes.
The Jambos knew victory would safe their top-six place and take them inside two factors of fifth-placed United within the William Hill Premiership, and so they have been on prime earlier than the break.
Nevertheless, the dismissal of 18-year-old Wilson for a rash problem on Luca Stephenson within the thirty eighth minute proved pivotal, permitting the guests to grab the initiative within the second half.
Dalby’s 67th-minute aim took Jim Goodwin’s aspect eight factors away from Hearts and stored them on the coat-tails of Hibernian and Aberdeen within the battle for Europe.
Hearts boss Neil Critchley made 4 adjustments to the aspect that began final weekend’s defeat at Celtic Park, together with dropping captain Lawrence Shankland to the bench.
There have been 5 adjustments to the United crew that began the 1-0 win at Ross County per week beforehand though one in all them was enforced shortly earlier than kick-off after Ross Graham suffered an harm within the warm-up and 19-year Sam Cleall-Harding was promoted from the bench for his aggressive debut.
Hearts had the primary probability of the match within the sixteenth minute when Blair Spittal’s move allowed Elton Kabangu to spin away from Stephenson and race in the direction of aim however ‘keeper Jack Walton dived to his left to make a wonderful save from the Belgian ahead.
Kabangu had one other half-chance shortly afterwards, following a driving run by Sander Kartum however his angled shot was simply blocked by Walton.
Wilson then fired into the side-netting from the angle of the field earlier than Jorge Grant’s shot was saved by Walton.
Wilson spurned an important probability within the twenty seventh minute when he drilled Spittal’s cross large from 10 yards.
United appeared content material to take a seat again and take in strain and so they took till the thirty fifth minute to register their first notable try at aim when Ryan Pressure curled a free-kick simply large from 20 yards.
Hearts typically gave the impression to be in management, and Wilson flicked an opportunity simply large earlier than Spittal threatened with a low shot from the sting of the field.
Dalby celebrates after scoring what proved to be the winner
Nevertheless, the hosts suffered a serious blow within the closing phases of the half when Wilson slid in to problem Stephenson with a raised boot and referee Nick Walsh wasted no time in flashing his crimson card.
Regardless of being a participant down, Hearts continued to get pleasure from their fair proportion of possession and nonetheless carried a menace.
Nevertheless, United – who made an attack-minded triple substitution within the 58th minute – acquired themselves forward halfway via the second half when Dalby headed dwelling Glenn Middleton’s cross from the best.
Hearts stored asking questions till the tip however Critchley’s aspect now face a tense journey to Motherwell on Saturday as they bid to maintain themselves within the prime six after the break up and revive their fading European hopes.
