Sander Kartum strikes killer double as Hearts sweep Dundee aside 3-1 to reach Scottish Cup semi-finals
Sander Kartum performed his own personal ‘Goal Of The Round’ competition with the double that eased Hearts into the Scottish Cup semi-finals.
Which was better? The 27th-minute strike from outside the box into the top corner — or the solo second-half soother that gave Neil Critchley’s side a crucial two-goal cushion?
What a wonderful poser for the Norwegian and his new fanbase to ponder after he got off the mark for the Tynecastle club.
Hearts responded to last weekend’s derby defeat in style. Winners by 6-0 at Dens Park five weeks ago, they could have had more than three here – but for a trio of stunning late saves by Trevor Carson from Elton Kabangu, Calem Nieuwenhof and Alan Forrest.
Joe Shaughnessy gave Dundee brief hope as he made it 1-1 on 50 minutes. But the worst defence in the top flight took their tally of goals conceded this campaign to a miserable 70 in all competitions.
Simon Murray, scorer of 17 for the Dark Blues, glanced one into his own net before the January signing from SK Brann completed his brace.
Sander Kartum celebrates his second goal which secured Hearts a 3-1 win over Dundee
The Norwegian is congratulated by Neil Critchley after his double helped Hearts into semis
Kartum is pursued by his delighted team-mates on a memorable night for the Hearts fans
‘They were brilliant goals from Sander and that’s what we saw in him when we recruited him,’ said Critchley.
‘He’s taken a little bit of time to get up to speed, which is understandable.
‘His quality has been evident in training and he’s been getting fitter and stronger.
‘We’re making steps forward, we’re in the semi-final. We can sit back and relax and watch all the others have a stressful weekend.’
Hearts came within inches of a third-minute opener. Kartum picked out Kenneth Vargas who whipped a shot just shy of Carson’s left-hand post.
Free from the sinking feeling they have suffered in the Premiership, Dundee responded with a threatening spell.
The sorcery of Oluwaseun Adewumi, twinned with Murray’s movement and muscle, had Hearts on the back foot.
Craig Gordon held first-time from Murray, before Adewumi glided effortlessly between two defenders only for a heavy touch to frustrate.
Kartum’s opener was a quite wonderful effort which he placed into the top corner of the net
Joe Shaughnessy rose highest to head home the equaliser for Dundee in the 50th minute
Hearts regained the lead when Dundee’s Simon Murray, left, headed ball into his own net
Hearts adjusted to the Dundee press, and started probing from all directions.
The opener arrived from the left. James Penrice’s throw-in found Lawrence Shankland shielding the ball and laying off to Blair Spittal.
He swiftly worked it on to Kartum, before the January signing from SK Brann cracked a beautiful, first-time finish into the net with the inside of his left boot.
That lead could easily have doubled before the break. Shankland dinked a delightful ball to Vargas.
Carson stood firm to bat away the shot but, as Shankland chipped into the net on the rebound, offside was called.
In added time, Dundee almost levelled as a brilliant overhead flick from Murray sent Adewumi clear. His shot skimmed the top of the crossbar.
At the start of the second half, Kartum was presented with a carbon copy chance to shape another 20-yard strike. This one didn’t dip in time — and Dundee survived before equalising.
Ziyad Larkeche just about kept the ball in play and his cross was met by Shaughnessy who showed captain’s desire to beat Penrice and plant a header home from seven yards.
It was a tough night for Tony Docherty, whose Dundee team are struggling in Premiership
End-to-end drama followed. Hearts screamed ‘red card’ as Sylla hauled down Vargas when looking like the last man.
A last-ditch tackle by Cesar Garza stopped Kabangu from netting after Kevin Clancy waved play on. A booking sufficed for Sylla, much to Tynecastle’s dismay.
Gordon batted away a fierce drive from Larkeche as the game looked to swing either way.
Thanks to the errant touch off Murray’s head, it tilted in favour of Hearts.
The ex-Hibs forward tried to get in the way of Spittal’s set piece from the left but succeeded only in glancing past Carson.
Five minutes later, the fatal blow was landed. Kartum spun Fin Robertson 35 yards out and, with the outside of his left foot, prodded a classy low finish through a busy penalty area to seal Hearts’ path to Hampden.
Dundee boss Tony Docherty said: ‘I was disappointed with the first half, I wanted the players to be braver and challenged them to do that.
‘They came out and showed that side and we had Hearts right where we wanted them.
‘That bravery will serve us well for the nine cup finals we’ve got to come (in the league). But there are moments in games that are pivotal, and that’s what we’ve got to learn.’
