Source: Team_Talk
Stewart hails fighting spirit
The win meant Csaba Laszlo's under-strength side moved five points clear in third place in the SPL.
Stewart fired home from 20 yards in the 62nd minute to seal an unlikely victory for Hearts with their only shot on target.
Laszlo was forced to play midfielder Adrian Mrowiec up front, in only his second start for the club, after being deprived of the suspended Christian Nade and injured Gary Glen.
He also had an unfamiliar central defence of Christos Karipidis and Eggert Jonsson as Marius Zaliukas continued the four-game ban that followed the January sale of skipper Christophe Berra to Wolves.
But Hearts ground out a crucial victory against fourth-placed United with the help of Janos Balogh's 80th-minute penalty save from Francisco Sandaza.
Stewart told reporters: "You guys and a lot of the supporters speak a lot about the fact we have struggled in the striking department, and obviously with Christophe being sold in January and Marius suspended, that things were going to be difficult for us.
"But within the camp there has been a real determination to keep things going and not just fall by the wayside.
"Today wasn't pretty on the eye but I think it personified the fighting spirit within the team."
Laszlo was delighted with Balogh's display and his team's discipline - Jonsson appeared to win the ball from Sandaza before Eddie Smith gave the spot-kick.
The Hearts manager said: "It was not easy for us, especially with Laryea Kingston and Christian Nade out and having to think about a new tactical shape. "We were prepared for their long balls. We had a very good unit and a very good goalkeeper."
Balogh also made a smart double save in the 13th minute from Sandaza and Paul Caddis, and United boss Craig Levein felt only the finishing touch was missing from their play.
"We did just about everything we could to try to win the game but it just didn't happen," Levein said.
"I'm disappointed with the result but far from disappointed with the performance. There was a wee touch of desperation at the end but we had chances.
"Considering the strongest part of Hearts' game is their midfield, I thought our four were better than their five.
"I was also delighted to see Sandaza getting back to what we know he can do.
"He was fantastic in spells and just unfortunate he missed the penalty."
