Dev League: Hearts 2 United 1

Two Tannadice first teamers made long awaited comebacks as the Tangerines went down by the odd goal in three after Hearts' late winner in the Oriam Stadium tonight.

By Peter Rundo

Playing his first game in five months, Dutch midfielder Jordie Briels came through the planned 45 minutes.

And central defender William Edjenguele played for an hour after being sidelined for two months.

Although Hearts had the bulk of possession in the first half, United keeper Deniz was rarely troubled.

He was, however, beaten after 27 minutes, the Tynecastle trialist slotting home from 12 yards.  

Six minutes from the interval, Deniz brilliantly palmed over a Calum Morrison drive from just outside the box.

The visitors came more into the game as half-time approached and only a fine save by Jack Walker prevented Luc Bollan levelling with a header from a Logan Chalmers’ corner.

United opened the second half brightly with Chalmers dragging a shot just wide.

On 70 minutes, substitute Gav Ritchie cleared a Dario Zanatta close range effort off the line.

And United were level ten minutes later when Louis Appere angled home from 12 yards.

In the aftermath of that equaliser, United were reduced to ten men when Idris Kadded was sent off following a second caution.

Then, with three minutes left, a lofted Aidan Keena effort found the far corner for the winner. 

Dundee United: Deniz, Davidson, Masson, Edjenguele (Inglis 61), Bollan, Briels (Ritchie 46), Appere, Thomas, Kadded, Martin, Chalmers.

Sub not used: Donaldson, Reekie, Glass, Mcmeekin, Jones.