Tangerines denied by Hearts’ late leveller

In an entertaining encounter at Ochilview, United were denied victory by a late Hearts equaliser.

The hosts started well and were unlucky not to go ahead when Ally Roy cut inside and fired in a shot that clattered against the crossbar.

The Tangerines grew into the game and Matty Smith should have hit the target when through on goal after 24 minutes.

Six minutes later, United again came close when a Cammy Ballantyne piledriver was blocked by keeper Kelby Mason with the skipper sending the rebound just past.

Before the break, Roy again went close with a lob over Brett Long but it lacked pace and the keeper recovered to prevent it going in.

Four minutes into the second half, it was United’s turn to hit the woodwork with Aaron Murrell clipping the top of the crossbar.

Roy hit the side-netting after Andy Irvine’s intelligent through ball created the opening.

When a goal did come it was at the other end with Dom McMeekin steering the ball into the net after being played in by Graham Taylor .

Long punched over a Jamie Brandon drive as Hearts pressed for the equaliser, which came five minutes from time when Callum Morrison drilled home.

United: Long, Ritchie (Hornby 71), Davie, Ballantyne, Reekie, M Smith, Allardice, Appere (McMeekin 63), B Smith, Murrell, Taylor. Subs not used: Donaldson, Coote, Hornby, Chalmers.