Dundee United v Hearts - 17th August

DUNDEE UTD: Weaver - Kovacevic, Dods, Webster, Dixon - Gomis, Buaben, Robertson, Swanson - Goodwillie, Cadamarteri
HEARTS: Kello - Jonsson, Bouzid, Kucharski, Goncalves - Suso, Palazuelos, Stewart, Obua - Witteveen - Nade

Finally managed to watch this game from Monday night, avoided the score all week so was looking forward to it, 2 of the best teams outside the old firm, big game for both teams to start of their season with. Hearts will be looking again to secure at least a 3rd place finish or if possible challenge the top two, United will have thoughts of the same but 3rd place would be an excellent season.

Dundee United started very brightly and after 2 minutes they had a penalty, the very impressive Danny Swanson skipped inside the box Eggert Jonsson stuck out his leg and Swanson went down, the Ref had no choice but to point to the spot, Penalties are a big enough pressure, but Cadamarteri stepped upfront infront of his home fans on his debut, and fired the ball just past Kello, the keeper was unlucky got a fingertip to it, but it was not enough, a fantastic start for the home team 1-0 up after 2 minutes.

United were the much better team in the first half, midfielder Gomis is a very talented player, he started on the right but is given the right to move around the field, and he linked up very well with Prince Buaben, and Swanson, with performances like this it won't be long till Gomis is playing at a higher level, he's fast, strong, good passer.

Hearts came back into the game towards the end of the first half, due to the play of David Obua, the tall lanky Ugandan, looks awkward when running but when he gets on the ball, he has a good touch, speed to go past men, and playing on the left, the ball played across is a good outlet that he can win comfortably in the air, he also has good set piece delivery, and he created a great chance on the half hour, swinging in the free kick, into that area between keeper and defenders that always causes trouble but noone could get on the end of it.

The end of the first half saw bookings for Stewart, Obua and Kovacevic for United, and 5 minutes into the 2nd half, Stewart made a rash challenge on Robertson and the referee had no choice to send Stewart off, Hearts not only down to 10 men but also losing their captain.

The second half couldn't live up to the first and the game was over with 6 minutes to go, Buaben played the ball to Gomis and he played a lovely pass through to Cadamarteri and he was onside with only the keeper to beat, stayed calm and passed the ball past the keeper and it curled into the net, and the United fans could celebrate the 3 points.

Really enjoyable game, United impressed alot, I've already mentioned Gomis, in defence young Paul Dixon looked a good left back, not scared to get forward, got in good positions, be it in defence or attack, the big Duo of Dods and Webster will be a solid pairing, not many teams will trouble them in the air, Webster an international defender good for youngsters like Garry Kenneth to learn from, Kovacevic at right back has always played well when I've seen him, 6 foot 4 is huge for a fullback, and he is also fast, good on the ball, a good defender to have.

Robertson had a solid game in the middle next to the all energy Prince Buaben, it was Danny Swanson that caught the eye the most, playing because Craig Conway wasn't fully fit, but on this showing he'll deserve a starting place, pace, trickery, wants to take players on and get in the box, can also put in a cross, he's one I'll be looking out for.

Youngster David Goodwillie was partnered with Ex-Everton and England U21 Danny Cadamarteri, if you've never heard his name, Danny burst through the Everton ranks before anyone knew who Wayne Rooney was, had skill and pace, and was destined to be the next big thing, In the 96/97 season he scored 4 goals in 3 months, one of them against Liverpool, then in 2001 there was a Court case where he was found guilty of assault.

From then till now he has played for Bradford City twice, Leeds United, Sheffield United, Grays Athletic, Leicester City, Doncaster Rovers and Huddersfield Town, spanning 8 years, in this time he only scored 11 goals, all the promise seemed gone, the move to United could be his last chance, but also a fresh start, and 2 goals in your debut can only help kick start his season, he looked really sharp, seems to be in shape, had his pace back, also for a small guy he won alot of headers, ran the channels well, I can't see why he can't have a really good season.

Hearts had a poor game by their standards, Witteveen and Nade couldn't combine upfront, there was too big a gap between the forwards and the midfield, even more so after Stewarts Red card, A player I was watching for the first time was Suso, the former Tenerife winger was making his debut, you could see he has talent, pace, some trickery and obviously confidence, the phrase I used to describe him to my girlfriend was "Like Cristiano Ronaldo without the ability" a tendency to go down, waving for yellow cards, trying to take too much on, probably too make faith in his own ability, I hope that he settles down cause I think he could be talented, just not with his attitude.

Overall a good game to watch, I hope to see both teams again this season, United looking much the better team, but there's a long way to go.

DUNDEE UNITED 2
Cadamarteri 4, 85

HEARTS 0




Match Rating 7/10

M.O.M - Danny Swanson - Dundee United