Casalinuovo had a big hand in Tangerines’ 2010 cup final victory

DUNDEE United were well worth their 2010 Scottish Cup Final win over Ross County.

But Tangerines hero Sean Dillon admits they needed a hefty stroke of luck to get to Hampden.

Having been drawn against Partick Thistle in the fourth round, United made it through with the help of a hand-ball goal by Damian Casalinuovo.

Ten years to the day after he lifted the trophy, Dillon is still breathing a sigh of relief over United’s Firhill fillip.

He said: “I was on the bench that day and had a very good view of Damian’s goal.

“How the ‘lino’ didn’t see it, I have no idea. It was so clear!

“We were in shock that no-one had seen it but there wasn’t much in that game and then David Goodwillie scored the second.

“It was a great goal but probably overshadowed by what happened with Damian’s.”

Having dumped Thistle out, United then made it past St Johnstone, Rangers and Raith Rovers, before downing County in the final.

After the players all lifted the cup and were awarded their medals, the celebrations could begin in earnest.

Dillon recalled: “The important thing was to make everyone feel part of them and I think we did.

“We had a great time out on the pitch and then back in dressing-room.

“Things eventually settle for a bit so you can have a shower without having to worry about getting covered in champagne!

“We eventually arrived back at Tannadice, spent some time at the club and then I walked into town with Danny Grainger who had come up for the game.

“We spent some time in a pub and t hen a nightclub.

“It was absolutely nuts and the whole place was just bouncing.

“The next day, I had to get up, find a clean shirt and t hen back up t o Ta n n a d i c e for the open-top bus journey to the city centre.

“The whole experience was just class and it was great to see the joy on all the fans’ faces.

“United have won five major honours – two League Cups, two Scottish Cups and the league – so to be part of that i s brilliant and a great honour.

“I don’t think it was a case of it sunk in on the Monday or the next week, or month. It probably took the likes of the anniversary dinner i n January.

“It was 10 years on and that was the last time the club had won a trophy.

“I will probably appreciate it more when I have finished playing and I can look back on it more.”

the