EDINBURGH, Scotland — For the Scottish Premiership clash on April 6, 2025, Dundee United defeated Hearts 1-0 at Tynecastle following a dramatic first-half red card.
Dundee secured the win thanks to a brilliant header from Sam Dalby in the 67th minute. The victory allowed Jim Goodwin‘s team to extend their lead over Hearts to eight points, placing them in a strong position for European qualification as they chase Hibernian and Aberdeen in the standings.
Hearts started the match brightly, with multiple opportunities, including an early shot from Elton Kabangu which was saved by United’s goalkeeper, Jack Walton. However, the game turned when Hearts’ forward, James Wilson, received a red card for a late tackle against United’s Luca Stephenson in the 39th minute. Referee Nick Walsh made the call amid protests from the home crowd, asserting it was a serious foul play.
Hearts head coach Neil Critchley expressed disappointment over the red card decision, stating, “I thought it was a genuine attempt to play the ball, very harsh at the time. But, we must learn from it.” Despite going down to ten men, Critchley praised his team’s spirit during the match.
After Wilson’s dismissal, Dundee United made a tactical change, introducing fresh legs that invigorated their attack. The decisive moment came when Glenn Middleton delivered a pinpoint cross that Dalby expertly converted with a trademark header. “It was a great ball into the box, and I just had to be on the end of it,” Dalby said post-match.
Despite going a man down, Hearts rallied in the second half but struggled to find a breakthrough against a resolute United defense. Critchley noted, “We were better as the game went on, but we just couldn’t finish our chances. If we had been sharper in the final third, it would have been a different story.”
Hearts’ defeat leaves them in a precarious position heading into a must-win match against Motherwell next week. They are just one point above the bottom half of the table, with their top-six hopes hanging in the balance.
Goodwin acknowledged the significance of the win for Dundee United, stating, “It’s about results at this stage of the season. We managed to keep another clean sheet, and that’s crucial moving forward.”
This victory not only secures crucial points but also reinstates Dundee United’s challenge for a top-three finish in their first season back in the top flight.
