Strong performance from Hearts as points shared

Hearts and Dundee United might have served up a scoreless afternoon at Tynecastle but there was no shortage of entertainment in this effervescent Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash on a cold winter's day.

There might not have been any goals but Hearts' performance would have delighted Csaba Laszlo with a terrific fighting display - in all the right ways!

The manager was forced into making six changes to the side that lost at Hamilton last week. Suspended trio Ismael Bouzid, Suso Santana and Ian Black dropped out as did Christian Nade, Dawid Kucharski, through choice, along with injured keeper Janos Balogh. In their place came Lee Wallace, Ruben Palazuelos, David Obua, Jamie Mole, Scott Robinson and Marian Kello, between the sticks.

A murky, foggy afternoon, coupled with sparkling floodlights, a glistening pitch, and plenty of tension after last weekend's events at New Douglas Park, made for a dramatic setting.

Hearts started the match enthusiastically to the delight of the home support, eager for a performance to banish the memory of New Douglas Park.

Jamie Mole's early dunt on Andrew Webster sparked a raucous crowd, eager to lend their support to the maroon cause, and it was Hearts who threatened first. Palazuelos flicked on for David Obua, whose dangerous cross caused chaos across the United back line and with Kingston lurking menacingly at the back post, Dixon was able to clear.

United's quiet start belied the threat they posed to the game, as a team who have lost just once this season. But if there was any need for a reminder, Hearts got it after eleven minutes when Damien Casalinuovo fed Craig Conway, who could only drill wide from 15 yards. A let-off.

The home team responded promptly to this enemy raid, Jamie Mole quickly earning a corner-kick. Craig Thomson's deadly right-foot set piece caused United problems but Ruben Palazuelos could only head wide at the near post. The Spaniard, newly pappa-ed this week, would have been disappointed not to have had the opportunity to celebrate in the traditional mould of new football fathers.

Kingston was next to try his luck after 25 minutes. The Ghana international picked up a loose ball after Kenneth cleared Jose Goncalves' long throw, but could only stab it wide from the edge of the area, under pressure.

It was become end to end by now, and so Dundee United had the next opportunity. Scott Robertson lashed wide after 30 minutes, after picking up Casalinuovo's well timed knock-on.

Alas Hearts first hurdle of the afternoon, came two minutes later when David Obua was forced off, suffering from a hamstring injury. Arvydas Novikovas replaced him.

There was even more concern a minute later when Jon Daly forced Marian Kello into a point-blank double save. It was heroic stuff, but the Slovakian took a bash for his efforts. Fortunately after treatment he was able to continue.

Referee Euan Norris was then involved in a moment of controversy after 39 minutes when Garry Kenneth appeared to shove Scott Robinson three times as he crashed down to earth on his way down towards the byline. Assistant referee Alan Cunningham awarded the visitors a throw in, much to the anger in the home stands.

And seconds later Tynecastle was all for erupting after Craig Thomson was penalised late for challenge on Craig Conway. Mr Norris kept his cards locked away, so regardless of whether you agreed with the decisions he was making, the young official was certainly trying to allow the game to flow.

But the first yellow was seconds away, the referee showing a yellow card to Jose Goncalves for apparent simulation as he defended a long ball. From the resultant free-kick Daly whacked a header off the junction of bar and post.

The second half started in rip-snorting fashion, end to end stuff, a real power play clash. Kingston was first to threaten for Hearts, smashing a volley off Dixon after wonderfully tenacious play from Wallace, Robinson and Novikovas who delivered a perfect centre for Larry.

Christian Nade was introduced to the field, for Jamie Mole, after 53 minutes. Mole had battled heroically and received a much deserved ovation.

Next up Stewart crossed in for Novikovas, who went flying through the air. Mr Norris waved away any appeals for a spot kick, as Wallace stepped up to smash an effort that Kenneth headed over the bar. It seemed tantalisingly close to an own goal with the Gorgie Stand collectively on their feet.

Hearts were controlling this phase of proceedings, and the home crowd was roaring on their heroes.

But it was Dundee United who should have scored first. Myrie-Williams was apparently fouled inside the area by Eggert Jonsson, but Danny Cadamarteri was unable to convert his attempt from 12 yards, Kello saving wonderfully to his left. Intense did not come close to describing the atmosphere. It was utterly breathless.

Scott Robinson - or Pom to his friends (you work out why) - who had been a good foil for Mole and then sub Nade got his first effort on target on 70 minutes, but his smashed shot from 20 yards flew over the bar. His departure moments later was greeted with terrific warmth from the home faithful.

Swanson's effort for the visitors four afterwards forced Kello into a good save, routine stuff for sure, but no less important.

Nine minutes from time, and some of Hearts exceptional play was summed up in a wonderful phase during which Novikovas crossed dangerously from the left. Stewart touched it for Kingston who returned the pass perfectly to the skipper who, in turn, left it to Nade. Christian's effort was goal bound, but blocked. It would have been something very special.

Hearts were forced to play the last five minutes with ten men after Laryea Kingston had to leave the field with an injury. The crowd vented their anger at the Ghanaian who went straight up the tunnel.

And whilst Glen's effort - in stoppage time - was wide there was plenty to be positive about. Hearts had shown terrific battling qualities and might have deserved victory. They didn't get it, but the should certainly have earned plenty of plaudits for this type of display.

Hearts: Kello, C Thomson, Jonsson, Goncalves, Wallace; Kingston, Palazuelos, Stewart, Obua (Novikovas 32); Robinson (Glen, 76), Mole (Nade, 54). Booked: Goncalves, Kingston, Stewart. Subs not used: Ridgers, Kucharski, Templeton, J Stewart.

Dundee United: Weaver, Kovacevic, Webster, Kenneth, Dixon; Myrie-Williams, Robertson, Dillon, Conway (Swanson, 61); Daly (Shala, 76), Casalinuovo (Cadamarteri 50). Subs not used: Banks, Dods, D Robertson, Goodwillie.

Referee: Euan Norris

Top man: Lee Wallace

Hearts World