Dundee United substitute Danny Cadamarteri missed a second-half penalty in a hard-fought goalless contest at Hearts.
Lively encounter sees spoils shared
Dundee United substitute Danny Cadamarteri missed a second-half penalty in a hard-fought goalless contest at Hearts.
The striker, who won the spot kick after tangling with Eggert Jonsson, had his spot-kick saved by Marian Kello in the 61st minute.
Despite the lack of goals, both sets of fans were treated to a high-tempo clash that swung from end to end.
The home supporters made their feelings known to Andy Webster as every touch from the former Hearts defender was greeted with a chorus of boos.
Webster was making his first appearance back at Tynecastle since controversially using a little-known Fifa rule to quit the club in summer 2006.
The first chance of the game arrived in the 15th minute when United striker Jon Daly fed Craig Conway in the box but the midfielder dragged his tame shot wide.
Hearts midfielder Ruben Palazuelos headed Craig Thomson's corner off target at the near post moments later.
United's Scott Robertson then flashed Damien Casalinuovo's knock-down wide from 18 yards.
Hearts were forced into a sub two minutes later as David Obua hobbled off to be replaced by Arvydas Novikovas.
Well blocked
United midfielder Robertson was involved again in the 34th minute when his left-footed shot was well blocked by Kello.
Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo and the Jambos fans were furious with referee Euan Norris' decision making as several awards did not go their way.
Hearts survived a scare in first-half stoppage time when Daly's header from Craig Conway's free-kick came back off the post.
United striker Casalinuovo was replaced minutes after the restart as Cadamarteri was given the chance to impress.
In a lively start to the second period, Hearts full-back Lee Wallace's cross found Laryea Kingston at the back post but the Ghanaian's volley was well blocked by Paul Dixon.
Penalty
The Terrors should have gone ahead when Cadamarteri won a penalty after racing past Jose Goncalves and tangling with Jonsson. He stepped up to take it himself but failed to beat Kello.
Robinson wriggled free for Hearts on the edge of the box but his shot sailed over the bar.
At the other end, substitute Danny Swanson's effort from 18 yards was well held by Kello.
Hearts then had to play the remaining five minutes with 10 men after Kingston went off injured with the hosts having used all their subs as the game ended 0-0.
