Briels and Edjenguele comeback

HEARTS 2 DUNDEE UNITED 1

Two Dundee United first-team players made long-awaited comebacks as the young Tangerines were defeated by a late Hearts’ winner at the Oriam Stadium last night.

Playing his first game in five months, Dutch midfielder Jordie Briels came through the planned 45 minutes, while 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 Mehmet was rarely troubled.

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

Six minutes from the interval, Mehmet 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 dragged a shot just wide.

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

United were level 10 minutes later when Louis Appere angled home from 12 yards.

United were then reduced to 10 men when Idris Kadded was sent off following a second yellow card.

With three minutes left a lofted Aidan Keena effort found the far corner for the winner.

United: Mehmet, Davidson, Masson, Edjenguele (Inglis 61), Bollan, Briels (Ritchie 46), Appere, Thomas, Kadded, Martin, Chalmers. Sub not used: Donaldson, Reekie, Glass, Mcmeekin, Jones.