Eddie Annand struck twice to consign Hearts to the foot of the Scottish Premier League as Dundee enhanced their own survival prospects at Dens Park.

After a lifeless opening half, Dundee emerged from the interval a more assured outfit, and their subsequent dominance of play merited Annand's goals after 53 and 65 minutes.

With the fear of immediate SPL expulsion should their stadium fail to be upgraded by the summer, Dundee have no shortage of off-field concerns.

But their players indicated today that if footballing grounds alone decide relegation, they have the attitude required to lift themselves to safety during the run-in.

Whether the same can be said of opponents Hearts is questionable with Jim Jefferies' team's downward spiral now gathering a disturbing momentum.

Annand's goals, the first a stylish chip, the second a sharp header, proved the difference, but it was the level of commitment from Dundee which impressed.

The legions of photographers awaiting a glimpse of controversial would-be Dundee investor Giovanni Di Stefano were left disappointed at kick-off with no sign of the Anglo-Italian businessman.

The man who this week claimed to number none other than Saddam Hussein among his political 'friends' had been tipped to attend, and had he chosen to would surely have savoured the outcome.

Dundee coped well without talented Polish midfielder Dariusz Adamczuck, while Hearts offered a surprise debut to new recruit from Bournemouth Mohamed Berthe.

Having struggled for goals of late, the opening 45 minutes reflected an understandable lack of confidence in both ranks, although Hearts were the brighter at the outset.

The visitors could easily have moved ahead after five minutes when Robert Douglas missed a Stevie Fulton corner only for a surprised Dave McPherson to head over an inviting open goal.

Eddie Annand offered an ambitious overhead kick which proved comfortable for fit-again Gilles Rousset in the Hearts goal, but for the most part were on the back foot.

Hearts striker Gary McSwegan twice threatened from distance, firstly when a Fulton corner broke to him then firing just wide after cutting inside with purpose.

Dundee, who had offered virtually nothing in the first half-hour, did look dangerous after 32 minutes as Gavin Rae released an Annand run, but McPherson denied the on-rushing Willie Falconer.

But Hearts remained in the ascendancy, and French midfielder Vincent Guerin was unfortunate with a crisp 20-yard shot on the turn just the wrong side of the post for the visitors' liking.

The Tynecastle outfit continued to press, but for the most part were reduced to shooting from distance, and a Fulton strike was blocked by Willie Miller four minutes before the welcome break.

Yet after the restart, Dundee at once showed more purpose, and their positive approach was soon rewarded as the balance of play shifted in their favour.

After 48 minutes, Steven Boyack curled a free-kick just over the bar, while in Dundee's next attack Falconer failed to connect with an inviting Hugh Robertson cross.

But Dundee were ahead after 53 minutes, Barry Smith's searching long diagonal pass finding Annand who with fine composure defeated Rousset with a delicate chip.

With Hearts having failed to score a League goal this year, there was always the chance that might prove enough by itself, and manager Jim Jefferies sensed this.

He at once replaced Thomas Flogel and Guerin for Jim Hamilton and Andrew Kirk, yet the change was to have no immediate benefits for Hearts as Dundee doubled their advantage.

The goal arrived in the 65th minute after a Boyack corner was met by Robbie Raeside at the far post setting up Annand to power in a header from close range for his ninth of the season.

Hearts replacement Kirk produced a neat chip after 75 minutes but Willie Miller was in the right place to head clear as Dundee held firm and were able to relax long before the finish.

Teams

Dundee: Douglas, Smith, Irvine, Raeside, Annand, Maddison, Falconer, Miller, Rae, Robertson, Boyack (Anderson 86).

Subs Not Used: Grady, McInally, Tweed, Langfield.

Booked: Annand, Miller.

Goals: Annand 54, 65.

Hearts: Rousset, McPherson, Naysmith, Ritchie, Fulton, Locke, Flogel (Hamilton 57), Pressley, Berthe (Jenkinson 73), Guerin (Kirk 57), McSwegan.

Subs Not Used: Hogarth, Severin.

Booked: Naysmith, Locke, Guerin.

Att: 6,612

Ref: K Clark (Paisley).