Craig Conway hailed Dundee United’s Scottish Cup victory as “unbelievable” after his two goals helped the Tangerines to a memorable win in the Hampden sunshine.
The Tannadice men won the cup for only the second time in their history and capped off their best season in more than two decades thanks to a 3-0 victory over Ross County.
Three second-half goals ensured the famous old trophy came back to Dundee and lit the touchpaper for what looks sets to be one of the biggest parties in the city for years.
But those celebrations had started well before Andy Webster and Lee Wilkie jointly lifted the trophy in front of an estimated 27,000 travelling fans.
Though United had failed to convert their first-half dominance into goals in the face of some stout defending from the Highlanders, they found a cutting edge in the second period.
Scotland’s young player of the year David Goodwillie started the scoring, showing incredible composure to lift a finish over two County defenders and into the net after keeper Michael McGovern misjudged a clearing header just outside his box.
Fifteen minutes later, United doubled their lead — with Goodwillie this time turning provider.CatalystHis flicked header set Conway running and he outpaced the Dingwall men’s defence to slide the ball under the keeper — and provide the catalyst for a mighty chorus of Beautiful Sunday from the Arabs packed on to Hampden’s terraces.
But Conway hadn’t had enough and the winger’s second strike, five minutes from time, put the tie beyond any doubt.
Afterwards the man-of-the-match branded the day “unbelievable”.
“We’ve been building up to this for weeks and people have spoken about us becoming legends,” Conway said. “But we knew we had a job to do.
“I’ve dreamt of this since I was a young boy and now it’s happened.
“It’s a great job by the coaching staff and players. After Craig left, it was quite difficult — but now we’re delighted and it’s just sinking in now.
“To win the cup in our centenary year is just fantastic. Once it’s sunk in will be emotional for us — but it hasn’t quiet sunk in yet.”
The trophy will be presented to fans in Dundee’s city square on Sunday, ahead of an open-top bus ride to Tannadice, where it will be paraded around the ground.
Entertainment will start from noon, with the team expected to arrive at the City Chambers at 1pm. The cup will then make its way to Tannadice for 2.30pm. Turnstiles will be open from 1pm.Our edition of Monday, May 17, contained comprehensive coverage of Dundee United’s Scottish Cup victory over Ross County as well as a special supplement packed with photographs of the team’s victory parade and celebrations throughout the city. If you missed it, we will post a copy to a UK address for £1. Call 0800 318846 to secure your copy. Copies are also available at our front counter, Meadowside, Dundee. Customers from abroad should email shop@dcthomson.co.uk to reserve the edition.