25-03-2025
15 years on since 'one of United's greatest feats'
On Friday night, I raised a glass at a gala dinner to celebrate 15 years since a brilliant day at Hampden - Dundee United's second Scottish Cup triumph. It remains one of the club's greatest the management of Peter Houston, United lifted the trophy with a commanding 3-0 victory over Ross County at Hampden on 15 May had enjoyed a strong season, finishing third in the top flight, and their cup run showcased their quality and seeing off Partick Thistle and St Johnstone, United faced Rangers at Ibrox in the quarter-finals. Two penalties for the home side saw them 3-1 up just after half-time, and it looked bleak. But Morgaro Gomis pulled one back with a deflected volley, and with ten minutes to go, Mihael Kovacevic's header made it 3-3, forcing a replay at 15 years to the day, the return leg was settled in bizarre fashion - David Robertson's backside deflecting the ball home to send United back to the national Raith Rovers' early pressure in the semi-final, United took the lead against the run of play through David Goodwillie. Skipper Andy Webster doubled the advantage in the second half, sealing victory and securing a first cup final appearance since the final, after a goalless first half, United took control. Goodwillie broke the deadlock with a dink over County keeper Michael McGovern from 30 yards. Craig Conway then sealed victory with two superb goals - his only strikes in the competition that season - first with a precise low drive and then a clinical counter-attack was a day of dominance, redemption, and celebration - one that remains a cherished memory for United supporters. But, as was said many times on Friday night, it was very much a squad effort, with players who weren't stripped on the day playing a vital role throughout the win secured United's second-ever Scottish Cup, following their 1994 success. The team that day, featuring the likes of Swanson, Conway, Daly, Dillon, Kenneth, Webster, Gomis and Buaben etched their names into club can find Ronny Costello on The Dode Fox Podcast, external
