Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Tangerines lose gap in the race
DUNDEE United wasted a golden opportunity to strengthen their grip on fourth spot as Hearts ran out 3-2 winners at Tannadice.
United opened the scoring courtesy of a sensational solo effort by Dylan Levitt, only for goals by Liam Boyce and Josh Ginnelly either side of the break to turn the contest on its head.
Another moment of inspiration, this time from Ryan Edwards, brought a see-saw affair back to 2-2.
Ellis Simms lashed home the decisive goal in the closing stages.
United remain in fourth spot given Motherwell and Ross County lost to Rangers and Celtic, respectively, at the weekend.
However, a wonderful chance to extend their lead over both European rivals was blown.
Tam Courts handed promising midfielder Chris Mochrie his first start since Boxing Day, with Marc McNulty dropping to the bench. Scott McMann replaced the injured Kevin McDonald, with former Hearts player Liam Smith – scorer of a stunner when the sides last met – moving into central midfield.
Ex-United gaffer Robbie Neilson, meanwhile, was without crocked trio Andy Halliday, Stephen Kingsley and Craig Halkett.
United exploded out of blocks.
Nicky Clark nodded inches wide of the post after 55 seconds, with the striker almost taking full advantage of a skewed Ross Graham header.
Clark was then denied by a super Craig Gordon save following an incisive run by Tony Watt.
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From the next attack, United claimed the lead their early endeavours merited.
Watt slipped a neat pass to Levitt, who nutmegged Peter Haring, shimmied past Alex Cochrane and slid a stylish low shot past Craig Gordon.
Magical stuff from the Welshman. Prior to the visit of the Jambos, Courts predicted a big finish to the campaign from Levitt, such has been his form in training.
Hearts’ first signs of life came when Aaron McEneff flashed a shot over the bar.
Benji Siegrist maintained United’s lead with a splendid save to deny Liam Boyce following an excellent through-pass by Barrie McKay.
Charlie Mulgrew was the Tangerines hero when Siegrist could only fist a looping delivery into the path of Ginnelly. However, the winger’s volley was spectacularly diverted clear by Mulgrew.