Heart of Midlothian 2
Dundee 0
League (Premier League)

Match Report

Their week in the Portuguese sunshine having paid dividends, Hearts started off their New Year with a hard-fought, but confident, victory.

Yet, with only a slender one-goal advantage in their favour, an absolute gift was presented to them, providing the cushion which finally saw them through.

In the early moments of the second half, the Dens Parkers were actually having their best spell. Then, suddenly, with no danger apparent, Smith sent a routine pass back towards Douglas. Casually, the keeper tried to lob it back to Smith, but failed to get enough loft and in nipped Darren Jackson to head the ball into the empty net.

In fairness to the keeper, he just about made amends two minutes later with a superb full-length diving save from a ferocious Severin 20-yarder, which maintained a glimmer of hope for his side.

However, Hearts started off brightly and, in the 14th minute, a Severin hook was flicked by Douglas on to the bar and away.

However, the Jambos began to make an impression and it was young Gary Wales who made the early impact with the Dundee defence once again looking suspect.

A free-kick out on the right from Locke was headed down at the far post by Severin to Wales, who, unmarked, side-footed the ball home from close range.

Back came Dundee and Shaun McSkimming, their most influential player, and showing no signs of his recent surgery, almost grabbed the equaliser when, 20 yards out, he sent in a tremendous first-timer which beat Niemi and rattled off the crossbar.

With that two-goal edge, Jim Jefferies' side should have extended their lead. Wales, who, despite his relative inexperience, linked up well both with Jackson and his midfield and had three reasonable chances.

Alas, he failed to cash in.

In a last-gasp bid, Dundee came close when an angled drive from Smith was brilliantly held by Niemi.

Over the 90 minutes, though, it was a highly-satisfactory performance from Hearts, whose passing and overall organisation looked first class, with Cameron, Severin, Pressley outstanding.

For the Dens Parkers, it was hard graft without a great deal going for them up front. Their best were McSkimming, Rae and Ireland.

In a game of many fouls, there were also three bookings Billio and Ireland of Dundee and substitute Juanjo of Hearts.