STRANRAER 0 DUNDEE UTD 1 Andreu (68)
RAY McKINNON saluted match-winner Tony Andreu after the on- loan hitman headed Dundee United into the quarter-finals.
The game seemed to be heading for a goalless stalemate and extra time before the Norwich City man rose highest to head home Paul Dixon’s cross.
The single goal proved enough for the Tannadice side and McKinnon hailed Andreu, who made it six goals in six games.
The manager said: “Tony Andreu just popped up with that one bit of quality in the game and it is a fantastic header.
“I thought it was a bit like Pele and that header against Gordon Banks but this time it went in.
“For such a small lad, it is an incredible header.”
United’s top scorer Simon Murray was the first to carve out an opportunity after he seized on some slack home defending.
However, keeper Belford was up to the challenge and palmed away the striker’s low shot.
It marked the start of a period of sustained pressure for the visitors, who came within inches of breaking the deadlock.
This time there was nothing Belford could do as Andreu’s 25-yard freekick cannoned back off the right upright.
Murray then flicked a header wide before it was Stranraer’s turn to come close to scoring.
Wi ll i e Gi bs o n ha d already proven dangerous on the left flank without being able to conjure up the final ball.
However, he went
alone on 26 minutes when he b e at two defenders before his curling shot was palmed to safety by Luis Zwick.
The second half was a drab affair with little goalmouth act io n . However, the visitors were increasingly getting down the left and it was no surprise the winner would come from that flank.
Dixon’s cross was inchperfect for Andreu, who rose unmarked to nod beyond a helpless Belford.