itstargetnews
Sam Dalby’s header proved decisive as Dundee United played heart striker James Wilson with a first-half red card and raised their European hopes.
Jambos knew the victory would secure their top six and within two points of William Hill’s fifth Premier League United, they were in the lead before the break.
But the sacking of 18-year-old Wilson’s rash challenge to Luca Stephenson in the 38th minute proved crucial, allowing visitors to seize the initiative in the second half.
Dalby’s 67th minute goal avoided Jim Goodwin’s eight-pointer and placed them on the coats of the Heberians and Aberdeen in the European battle.
James Wilson shows a red card on Luca Stephenson
Hearts Boss Neil Critchley made four changes to the start of the failed start at Celtic Park last weekend, including putting Captain Lawrence Shankland on the bench.
The United team changed five times, starting a 1-0 victory in Ross County a week ago, although one of them was kicked away shortly after Ross Graham was injured in a warm-up and Sam Cleall-Harding, 19 years old, was injured.
Hearts were the first chance of the game when Blair Spittal’s pass pulled Elton Kabangu out of Stephenson and played towards the goal, but’Guardian Jack Walton jumped to the left and got excellent savings from the Belgian striker.
Shortly after Sander Kartum’s driving, Kabangu had another half chance, but Walton easily blocked his tilt shot.
Wilson then turned on the side key from the angle of the box, and then Jorge Grant was saved by Walton.
Wilson drilled Spittal’s cross from 10 yards in the 27th minute, giving him a good chance.
United seemed content to sit down and make up for the pressure, and it took them until the 35th minute to make their first noteworthy attempt, when Ryan Strain bent only a wide free kick from 20 yards.
The heart usually appears to be in control, and Wilson overlooks the opportunity before Spittal is threatened by a low shot from the edge of the box.
Dalby celebrates proven to be a winner after scoring
However, when Wilson slipped into half the game and the host took a big blow to challenge Stephenson with a raised boot, referee Nick Walsh did not hesitate to waste time flashing his red card.
Despite becoming a player, the heart continues to enjoy their share of possession and remains under threat.
However, United had a triple-replaced attack in the 58th minute, and Darby took home Glen Middleton’s cross from the right as he led midway through the second half.
Hearts kept asking questions until the end, but Critchley’s side is now facing a tense trip to Motherwell on Saturday as they are willing to leave themselves in the top six after the split and restore their faded European hopes.
