Hearts beat Dundee United 2-0 in this 1985 encounter thanks to two defensive errors and some clinical finishing from a vintage Tynecastle side.

As the eighties progressed, Hearts were to be found in and around the top half of the table, establishing themselves as serious contenders in a highly competitive league.

The Dundee United game gave notice of their intent in a season which, under the guidance of manager Alex MacDonald, was eventually to be a case of so near yet so far for the Edinburgh team. The title was lost on the last day of the season to Celtic and further disappointment came with a losing appearance in the Scottish Cup Final.

In this win at Tynecastle, though, Hearts’ quality and determination was clear to see. Roddy MacDonald scored the first from a corner. As Jock Brown put it all that was needed was: “a gentle header towards the post,” as United’s defensive nous deserted them.

United posed a serious threat as they surged forward for the equaliser, but their defence crumbled once more as they tried to spring the offside trap after clearing a corner.

Hearts’ George Cowie returned the clearance back over the onrushing defenders, giving John Robertson the time to control the ball before popping a shot high over the keeper and into the goal.

The captain that day was a certain Craig Levein, now, in a curious twist of fate, manager of Dundee United, who went on to win the Young Player of the Year award. Another Jambo, Sandy Jardine, won that season’s Footballer of the year award.