United denied place in final

The Tannadice youngsters’ hopes of reaching the Little Big Shot Youth Cup final were dashed at Tynecastle last night with the hosts scoring a goal in each half of a tightly-contested affair.

Hearts took the lead after just six minutes when Ally Roy’s header from a Jordan McGhee cross beat keeper Ryan Booth.

For all the Jambos’ early territorial advantage, precious few chances were created with a first time 25-yarder from Robbie Buchanan which clipped the bar, the only threat of a second goal.

The Tangerines finally forced their way into the game and came close to levelling 10 minutes from the interval.

Justin Johnson burst to the bye-line and Brad Smith fired his cut-back over.

It was the visitors who dominated at the start of the second half.

Two minutes in Brad Smith fired just past and four minutes later a Matty Smith back-heeler was only just off target.

With 57 minutes played Johnson fired wildly wide.

But it was Hearts in a rare foray upfield who got the all-important second after 71 minutes.

Harry Souttar fouled Dario Zanatta in the box and home skipper Angus Beith fired the resultant spot-kick low into the bottom right-hand corner.

With five minutes left, only a one-handed save by Booth from a Callum Morrison free-kick prevented Hearts adding a third. Attendance: 710 United: Booth, Tumilty, Knoyle (Davie 82), H Souttar, Robson, Ballantyne, Allardice, Johnson, B Smith, Coote, M Smith. Subs not used: J Donaldson, McNaughton, Duke, Garden.