Heart of Midlothian 2-1 Dundee United

From Hearts Media at Tynecastle.

Hearts returned to winning ways on Sunday afternoon as two goals from Ryan Stevenson helped seal a 2-1 victory over Dundee United at Tynecastle.

Stevenson pounced on a loose ball on ten yards to open the scoring, before grabbing a second from the penalty spot after Dylan McGowan had been brought down. Keith Watson pulled one back shortly after the interval, but Hearts held on for the three points.

Dylan McGowan replaced Callum Paterson in the only change from the side that drew at St Johnstone last weekend. The Aussie partnered Darren Barr in central midfield, whilst John Sutton and Gordon Smith continued their strike partnership in a 4-4-2 formation.

Strong winds and a bumpy surface had both sides struggling to create anything of note during the opening stages, but Hearts soon began to dominate and were rewarded for their efforts on the fifteen minute mark.

A high ball over the Arab backline was chased down by John Sutton and, following a tussle with the United defender, the loose ball was swept into the net by the onrushingStevenson from ten yards out.

United nearly levelled within minutes when Jon Daly forced a spectacular stop from Jamie Macdonald from close range, only for Brian McLean to slice the rebound wide from yards out.

Hearts then grabbed the decisive second goal on the half hour mark as referee Craig Thomson awarded a penalty after Dylan McGowan was hauled down inside the box.

Stevenson confidently buried the spot kick into the bottom left corner, ensuring his side took a comfortable two goal lead into the second half.

As expected, the Arabs came flying out the traps after the interval; McLean going close as he leapt to steer a header wide of goal at the back post.

Focus then turned to the stands as the Tynecastle faithful paid tribute to Rudi Skacel in the 51st minute with chants, songs and a standing ovation.

Six minutes later, however, the away end was on its feet as Skacel's sliced shot found Watson on ten yards, the full back swivelling on the ball before slamming it into the back of the net.

Houston's men continued to push forward, but McGlynn's side were equally keen to grab another goal as they too sought to attack at every opportunity. Substitute Callum Paterson came close with a ferocious snapshot on the edge of the box which forced a reflex save from Radoslaw Cierzniak.

The visitors were then handed a final chance to grab a point in the 93rd minute when a high ball cleared the head of Zaliukas, enabling Russell to take a touch before firing a volley over the bar from the edge of the box.

Craig Thomson brought the game to an end shortly after as Hearts secured three vital points, climbing to sixth spot in the table ahead of the Boxing Day trip to Kilmarnock.

Hearts: Macdonald; R.McGowan, Webster, Zaliukas, McHattie; Stevenson, Barr, D.McGowan (Taouil 72), Driver (Novikovas 82); G.Smith (Paterson 75), Sutton. Subs not used: Enckelman, Robinson, Holt, Carrick.

Dundee United: Cierzniak; Watson, Gunning, McLean, Douglas; Armstrong (Dow 85), Flood, Rankin, Skacel (Lacny 75); Russell, Daly. Subs not used: Banks, Ryan, Millar, Gardyne, Petrie.

Referee: Craig Thomson

Top man: Ryan Stevenson

Hearts World