Penalty shoot-out drama sends United into cup final

Livingston United will take on Herriot-Watt University in the King Cup final on Saturday following a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Dunipace in Tuesday night’s semi-final clash.

United won the shoot-out 3-0 after the sides shared six goals across the 120 minutes of action.

Danny Ashe put the Pace in front from the spot on 14 minutes but they would be pegged back four minutes before the break when a Scott McInnes header was ruled to have crossed the line.

Parity didn’t last long, however, as Dunipace regained the lead before the half-time whistle when quick thinking saw Martin France roll the ball across goal for Jordan Herron to tap home.

Chances were few and far between in a second half that was little more than a midfield tussle before the late drama.

As the game ticked into the final minute, Jeremiah Otonti was sent clear and calmly slotted home an equaliser to take the game into extra-time.

United got themselves in front in stunning fashion on 98 minutes when

Michael Gould fired an unstoppable effort high into the roof of the net from the edge of the box.

With the final in sight, United would give away a second penalty six minutes from time with Ashe seeing his effort saved by Chris Ashley.

However, the Pace would send the game to penalties when Jamie Lapsley smashed home two minutes from time.

Jamie Conlon sent his over the bar for the visitors before Ashley saved Tristan McArthur’s effort and Ashe clattered the bar to set up United skipper Hassan Nyang to fire his side into the final.

The match will be played on Saturday at Whitburn’s Central Park (2pm kick-off).