Dundee’s hopes of clinching the Development League title were ended as they went down 4-2 to Hearts in the penultimate game of the season. Hibs win over Aberdeen earlier in the day left the young Dees with no margin for error, but they couldn’t take the title race into the final week of the season despite leading twice through Craig Wighton and Cedwyn Scott.
After sustained early pressure, Dundee broke the deadlock after seven minutes when Craig Wighton fired home from a well worked corner.
Euan Henderson had Hearts first chance of the match but lashed a shot over from 15 yards. Lewis Moore tried his luck from distance but dragged his shot wide.
Henderson did well to hold off Kerr Waddell before squaring the ball to Rory Currie, but Jesse Curran managed to deny him a shot at goal. At the other end, Cedwyn Scott flicked a Jack Lambert free kick towards goal, but was denied by the post.
Currie brought Hearts level on the stroke of half time with a cross-cum-shot from the right that looped over Kyle Gourlay and found the net via the post.
Wighton had Dundee’s first chance of the second half, but was denied by Kelby Mason after dancing into the box.
The keeper could do nothing after 53 minutes when Scott met Curran’s low ball and restored Dundee’s advantage.
Dundee’s lead would prove to be short lived as Lewis Moore raced through on goal and calmly lifted the ball over Gourlay.
Hearts went ahead after 65 minutes thanks to substitute Aidan Keena. He was sent through on goal and made no mistake with the finish.
Randy Wolters was dismissed for dissent. Scott latched onto a long ball from Jefferies but didn’t trouble Mason with his effort. Scott teed up Max Anderson, but his shot deflected onto the roof of the net.
Connor Smith added Hearts fourth with 15 minutes remaining. The substitute jinked on it the box and fired past Gourlay from 15 yards.
Henderson nearly made it five when Keena cut the ball back to him, but he scuffed his shot into the arms of Gourlay, meaning the young Dees have to settle for a second place finish this season.
Dundee: Gourlay, Curran, Rice (Jefferies 45), Etxabeguren, Waddell, Piggott, Lambert (Henvey 45), Moore, Scott, Wighton (Anderson 62), Wolters
Unused Subs: Ferrie, Smith
Goals: Wighton 7’, Scott 53’
