Steven Pressley was solid for Hearts

Charlie Miller was next to threaten for the visitors but duffed his shot from a good position following a clever one-two with Derek Lilley.

With 26 minutes gone Hearts went in front. A Steven Boyack cross from the right was totally missed by the unmarked Mark DeVries right in front of goal, but Valois ghosted saved his team-mate's blushes and sent a low drive home from 10 yards.

The French goalscorer was at the centre of most of the home side's good work and his clever flicks and touches had the home fans of their feet.

From two pin-point Miller deliveries, Thompson and Craig Easton both sent excellent headed chances wide of McKenzie's goal as United continued to press.

Valois created a terrific opening for Andy Kirk in the 50th minute when his reverse pass gave the youngster a clear sight of goal, but the striker hit the side-netting from a tight angle after rounding Gallacher.

Five minutes later De Vries managed to find the net when he met Boyack's deep corner and his volley was adjudged to have crossed the line by the assistant referee despite a frantic clearance by the United defence.

Only a marvellous save from Gallacher denied Hearts a third goal after 67 minutes when Kirk's powerful header from a precise Paul McMullan was superbly stopped.

Hearts: McKenzie, Maybury, Pressley, McKenna, McMullan, Boyack, Stamp, Severin, Valois, de Vries (Wales 81), Kirk.
Subs Not Used: Gordon, Webster, McCann, McGeown.

Booked: de Vries.

Dundee United: Gallacher, Wilson, Duff, Lauchlan, McGowne, Cummings, Easton, Griffin, Miller (Paterson 62), Lilley (Smart 65), Thompson.
Subs Not Used: Jarvie, McCraken.

Booked: Cummings, Thompson, Griffin.

Attendance: 11,532
Referee: S Dougal