The story of Dundee Uniteds winning Cup run

Put your hands up for the Cup!

The 3-0 triumph over Ross County brought a fantastic end to Dundee United’s season and their centenary year!

United were clear favourites going into the match versus Ross County but you can’t take anything for granted even though most United fans would have been confident going into the game. Then again, United haven’t had the best of luck in the Scottish Cup over the years.

The final was Dundee United’s sixth game in the Scottish Cup this season and their fourth in Glasgow. Surviving these four trips to the city that considers itself to be the home of Scottish football means that United deserved their day in the sun.

United’s run kicked off in Glasgow with a trip to Maryhill to take on Partick Thistle. There was a slight controversy with the opening goal as Thistle players felt Casalinuvo punched the ball into the net for the opening goal of the game. Victory was assured when David Goodwillie struck in the 90th minute to place United into the next round. Fellow SPL rivals St Johnstone were the hosts for that match.

Yet again David Goodwillie was the cup hero for United as his goal on the stroke of half-time separated the two sides.

Again, the opposition had complaints about the opening goal of the game but St Johnstone boss Derek McInnes was gracious enough to admit that United were the better side on the day. This win sent United to Ibrox to face the Scottish Cup holders.

United’s opposition may have had grievances about refereeing decisions so far in the cup but Dundee United know what to expect when they face Rangers. A handful of honest mistakes that usually help the Glasgow club over the line. United took the lead at Ibrox through Andis Shala but were behind at half-time thanks to two Kris Boyd penalties.

To say they were both of the soft variety would be an insult to melted marzipan and when Rangers went 3-1 ahead at the start of the second half, it appeared all over for the Arabs. The third goal was painful as it came from ex-Dundee man Nacho Novo but it was the spur for the United comeback.

An own-goal from Steven Whittaker gave United a lifeline and the tie was levelled when Mihael Kovacevic headed home with ten minutes to go, ensuring a Tannadice replay was required.

United again had cause to complain about the ref as a good penalty shout was denied after a Kyle Lafferty handball and David Goodwillie was denied the chance to score in every round when his effort was chopped off. The tie was won in the final minute when David Robertson beat Rangers keeper Alan McGregor to the ball and his touched knocked the holders out and out the Arabs through to the semis.

United possibly never got the praise they deserved for this triumph as the Scottish Sporting press was too busy focusing on the St Mirren 4 v Celtic 0 score-line from Paisley.

Dundee United went into their semi-final knowing that Ross County were in the final after their shock win over Celtic and this helped United to focus. The Arabs were in complete control against Raith Rovers and that man Goodwillie opened the scoring before the half-hour mark. Andy Webster made it two before the hour and the Arabs were booking their return trip to Hampden.

As you’ll all know by now, the second half of the Scottish Cup final saw United notch three goals, with that man Goodwillie scoring again and Craig Conway getting two to seal the win.

It may only have been Dundee United’s second Cup win in 9 Scottish Cup finals but that can be forgotten for now. Live in the moment and celebrate the winning of the old famous trophy!

Goals For: 12

Top goal-scorer: David Goodwillie 4

Goals against: 3

Goals against from open play: 1

Partick Thistle 0 – Dundee United 2

Ross County 0 – Dundee United 3

Congratulations to Dundee United – Scottish Cup winners 2009/10

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