Now we get back to business
Laszlo shrugs off shock loss and focuses on bid for title
CSABA LASZLO brushed off the embarrassment of losing to part-time Crusaders but insists his Dundee United side will be ready for Championship business against Falkirk next week.
The Hungarian, making his managerial debut for the Tannadice club, remained in bullish spirits in the wake of this sloppy start after super sub Gavin Whyte assumed hero status thanks to his stoppage-time winner to seal a fabulous fightback for the Northern Irish visitors.
The 53-year old former Hearts manager looked set to get his reign off to a winning start when Fraser Fyvie’s fine strike gave them a second-half lead, only for Dave Cushley to head home a 67th-minute equaliser before Whyte struck with almost the last kick of the ball.
United had lifted this trophy with victory over St Mirren at Fir Park in March, but now Laszlo’s thoughts will turn to winning promotion back to the Premiership, with Falkirk his first test next Sunday.
He said: ‘It’s interesting because I think it’s better to lose this game and win against Falkirk in the league next Sunday. It’s better to get this splash in the face now than against Falkirk.
‘Okay, it wasn’t easy as this was the first time this team had played together and we were taking this competition seriously. But there’s no question: it’s so important to get a win in my first league game.
‘Falkirk are a better team than Crusaders, so we will get a full week’s training under our belts and get ready for Sunday.’
Laszlo made a host of changes to the United side which defeated Championship leaders St Mirren 2-1 the previous weekend.
Goalkeeper Deniz Mehmet replaced on-loan Southampton youngster Harry Lewis between the posts, while William Edjenguele and Paul McMullan both returned, and youngsters Graham Taylor, Gavin Ritchie and Jordan Hornby all started for the holders.
The hosts were eager to impress their new boss and McMullan brought out a booking from Cushley in 15 minutes as he tried to set the tone for the afternoon.
Then, in 35 minutes, the visitors were presented with a golden opportunity to take a shock lead.
Fyvie lost possession midway inside
his own half, allowing Cushley to stride clear as the hosts frantically tried to retrieve the situation.
It looked like Cushley would opt for power but instead the midfielder preferred to try to chip the advancing Mehmet, and his effort lacked purchase as the home keeper gathered comfortably.
The second half started with Billy King replacing Scott Allardice in a bid to lift the tempo after Crusaders had gone untroubled for much of the first period.
Former Hearts winger King at least injected some life into things with his pace and direct approach which had the visiting defence on their toes.
And United eventually made the breakthrough in style in 55 minutes.
King cut in from the left and laid the ball off to Fyvie who wasted no time in rattling an unstoppable shot high into Brian Jensen’s top corner from 22 yards.
However, the Belfast side refused to buckle and levelled in 67 minutes.
Jamie Glackin’s corner eluded the entire United defence and Cushley was all alone as he stooped to head home from close range.
King watched his late effort from distance tipped wide by Jensen.
Then Whyte popped up to clinch the visitors’ place in the semi-final by drilling his low finish across Mehmet after substitute Jordan Owens had helped on Jensen’s thunderous kick-out downfield.
Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter said: ‘We’re delighted to get a result against a top team like Dundee United.
‘We had other chances which we might have taken before we got the winner and then our keeper makes a wonderful save just prior to that.
‘We have a huge match against Linfield on Wednesday night, so we rested five or six top players with a view to that.
‘Now we’ve got this far, we’ll give it a right good go to try and win the cup.’