United survive fightback from Queens as Ray awaits big day
FIRST-HALF goals from Charlie Telfer, Scott Fraser and Tony Andreu were enough for Dundee United to sink Queen of the South, who were spirited after the break and threatened a comeback, with Stephen Dobbie and Derek Lyle on target for the hosts.
Not since Dundee United were defeated by Stenhousemuir on penalties in 1995 — the last time they spent a season outside the top-flight — have they appeared in the final of the Challenge Cup.
But the Tannadice men will face Championship rivals St Mirren or Welsh Premier League champions The New Saints at the end of next month after prevailing at Palmerston.
Ray McKinnon, the Dundee United manager, admitted it will be a proud moment when he leads his men into the final.
He said: ‘We came down here to make the final and we’ve done that, so we’re delighted.
‘The first half really pleased me. We knew a goal at the start of the second half would give them something to fight for. They were bombarding us and we had to dig deep towards the end.
‘It will be great to manage United in a cup final. I never even thought about it until after the game so I’m looking forward to it. ’
McKinnon’s men found themselves 2-0 up inside the opening 11 minutes.
Both goals came as a result of shocking defending. The fourth-minute opener arrived courtesy of Telfer’s low strike after Queens failed to clear their lines.
Worse was to follow for the Dumfries men when a clearance from Andy Dowie struck Chris Higgins, who then failed to win a tackle and Fraser helped himself to the loose ball, sending it flying past home keeper Lee Robinson.
If Queens were to get back into this contest, a swift response was called for but Darren Brownlie failed to produce the goods when he nodded wide at the back post from Dobbie’s corner.
United plundered another goal before the interval when Simon Murray spotted Andreu lurking with intent on the edge of the box and passed to United’s top scorer, who found the far corner of the net.
It was not quite game over as Queens were reinvigorated following the break and reduced the deficit in the 51st minute when Dobbie popped up with a low strike into the bottom corner after space opened up in front of him on the left-hand side of the area.
Dobbie went from saint to sinner soon after when he blasted over from just six yards after United’s defence failed to deal with a half-hit effort from Dom Thomas.
Queens set up a grandstand finish when Lyle netted in the first minute of injury-time but United hung on.
Doonhamers boss Gary Naysmith said: ‘I was happy with our attacking play. Our defending wasn’t good enough for the first two goals and that is what has cost us.’