An own goal by Scottish international David Weir was enough to give Dundee another three valuable points.

In what was almost a repeat of Wednesday's victory over Dunfermline the home side came back to win after being totally outplayed in the first 45 minutes.

Hearts however will realise that this defeat stretches their unsuccessful run to 11 games with only one win and a return to last season's form is necessary if they are not to find themselves at the wrong end of the table.

Hearts carried out their threat to ring the changes and there were four different players from the team defeated by St Johnstone in Tuesday's semi-final.

It seemed to work for Hearts who were well on top right from the start and after only four minutes ex-Dundee United striker Gary McSwegan was not far away with a 25-yarder.

Jose Quitongo then had a penalty claim turned down and in the 13th minute the visitors missed a good chance when Stephane Adam played a one-two with McSwegan but then spoiled all his good work by shooting over from a good position.

The visitors were in complete control and it took a last-gasp tackle by tireless Gordon Hunter to foil McSwegan as he ran on to Rob McKinnon's through ball.

On the stroke of half-time Hearts came close when Fulton and McSwegan combined to give Dave McPherson a chance but from 18 yards the ex-Ranger shot inches past the post.

The impressive Fulton bent in a free-kick and it required a brave save by Robert Douglas when he was forced to dive at McSwegan's feet.

Willie Falconer was booked for dissent then Douglas did well to push a narrow angled drive by Quitongo past the post.

The little Portuguese again came close when he took a pass from McSwegan but failed to get sufficient power behind his 10-yard effort.

The home side did break the deadlock with 15 minutes remaining when Falconer shrugged off a Steven Pressley tackle and although he hit his shot off the advancing Gilles Rousset the ball bounced off the onrushing Weir and rolled into the unguarded net.