Dundee 0
Heart of Midlothian 0
League (Premier League)

Match Report

Home boss Jocky Scott may have spent the 24 hours prior to kick-off concerning himself with his own future - but it did little to erase his enthusiasm.

Despite suggestions he may be heading for the Dens Park exit in the near future, Scott still managed to encourage his troops into a top class performance in what was one of the better Premier League stalemates this season.

Goals may have been absent from the agenda, but the latest meeting between these teams produced a barrage of incidents throughout 90 entertaining minutes.

Reports prior to kick-off had indicated that under pressure Scott could be on the point of being replaced in his managerial chair, but not many on Tayside agreed with that plan.

And the way the boss and his backroom staff managed to lift their players for the occasion, clearly suggests Scott has the confidence of the dressing-room behind him.

Right from the start, they placed their more fancied visitors under severe pressure, and it showed during opening stages, in which nerves appeared to play a part in Hearts' poor performance.

They were hesitant at the back and lacked the confident touch normally applied to their midfield.

Twice in the opening stages home striker James Grady ought to have taken advantage of the Hearts failings, but he spurned golden opportunities. First, he allowed Gilles Rousset to advance from his charge and block his effort near the penalty spot.

Then, less than 60 seconds later, he missed a sitter from six yards, after Steven Boyack picked him out with a tantalising cross.

Hearts' relief at those escapes shot them into life and, as the interval approached, it was clear that their midfield, marshalled superbly by Colin Cameron, was beginning to take a grip on proceedings.

Gary Wales, then Stephane Adam, came close to carving out a lead although the better chances still fell to the hosts.

Dundee missed their best scoring chance of the afternoon early in the second half, when Boyack and Willie Falconer combined to create a golden chance for Gavin Rae.

However, he snatched at the opportunity and sent his effort wildly over the top.

The men from the Capital stepped up a gear or two as they sought out a winner during the latter stages, with Darren Jackson and substitute Gary McSwegan going closest to grabbing a winner.

But, with the home defence holding firm, the outcome was always going to end in stalemate.

Four players were booked. The home of fenders were Patrizio Billio, for bringing down Fulton, and Lee Maddison for pulling back McSwegan on the edge of the danger area. For Hearts, Darren Jackson was fortunate to be issued only a yellow card after elbowing Barry Smith, and substitute Scott Severin was cautioned for a late challenge on Hugh Robertson.

Match report written by The Sunday Post