Man of the match took it in his stride

It’s something every child playing football has dreamed about – scoring in a cup final.

Craig Conway was no different growing up in Ayrshire, except for him the dream became reality as he netted twice against Ross County at Hampden.

His two goals in the 75th and 86th minute, following David Goodwillie’s opener, secured the cup for Dundee United and ensured the winger would forever be accorded hero status by the Tangerines faithful.

Around 28,000 United fans travelled through to Glasgow for the showpiece occasion, many wracked with nerves.

However, in contrast, Conway was relaxed in the build-up before going on to produce a man-ofthe-match performance in what was then the biggest game of his career.

“The night before the final I was sharing a room in the team hotel with big Jon Daly,” said the 35-year-old, who is now with Salford City.

“We just tried to have a quiet time and then watched the film The Commitments.

“I didn’t really have trouble sleeping. To be fair, I am usually like that before a big game.

“I had already gone through everything in my mind about what I wanted to do on the pitch and how to prepare.”

Conway, who has also played for Cardiff City and Blackburn Rovers, added: “There was little in the final itself as we went in at half-time with the scores level.

“But I was always sure that if we kept doing what we had been doing the first goal would come.

“Thankfully it did and then I was able to get my two goals as well.”

Once the presentation formalities were over, the celebrations really took off on the way back to Dundee before the players partied the night away alongside ecstatic fans, with Conway heading for favourite nightclub, Fat Sam’s.

“It was just carnage on the bus with all sorts of nonsense back to the club and then it was into the town to celebrate,” added Conway, who has seven Scotland caps to his name.

“I’d had a lot of nights out in Fatties but everyone was just having a great time and it was the best atmosphere ever there.

“The 10 years have just flown by but there will always be a special bond with the lads.

“It was one of the best days of my career.”