United confounded their critics today by producing a strong performance and a deserved victory away at Tynecastle today. After surviving some heavy early pressure, United took the lead from the spot, after Venetis was brought down by Stephen Pressley in the box, and Aljofree put the spot kick away (11 mins). Charlie Miller made it two, to the delight of a frugal travelling support, ten minutes before the break.
United survived a torrent of late pressure to hold on to their lead, including a late goal form the Jambos, and a penalty scare which would have earned the Gorgie Street men a draw.
This result lifts the pressure on manager Alex Smith, who has been hearing calls for his resignation after being dumped out of the Scottish Cup by Ayr United in midweek.
To add to the Terrors joy, their arch-rivals Dundee lost a 2-0 lead to go down 3-2 at home to Aberdeen, leaving them second bottom of the SPL.