Dundee Utd1–0Falkirk

The syndrome of chopping and changing for whatever reasons continued yet again. In the wake of Saturday's disappointing display at Easter Road, manager Jim McLean made five changes in personnel from the starting eleven at Easter Road. The call for a more positive approach was answered as Hamish French brought out a save from Westwater in the very first minute. Generally, the opening exchanges were evenly contested with Westwater twice in action to deny Hamish French. At the other end Alan Main had to react quickly to tip over a dangerous Eddie May cross. As it turned out the re-instated United 'keeper was to be responsible for the opening, and ultimately, the winning goal after 36 minutes. Not that he was in any way to blame for the goal. Quite the opposite as he launched a long clearance down field. The ball bounced once and Hamish French headed the ball over the advancing Westwater. The goal was almost an exact replica of Darren Jackson's life-saving goal in the last minute of normal time in the Scottish Cup Final earlier this year. From then until half-time we controlled proceedings. In fact, Mixu shot just past within a minute of us taking the lead.

Falkirk proved much more of a threat in the second half and twice former United midfielder, Eddie May, directed headers only inches wide. However, between those narrow escapes Westwater rescued Falkirk with saves from Hamish French and Andy McLaren. In the last quarter of an hour we had numerous opportunities to tie match up. but Westwater again made fine saves from Billy McKinlay and Hamish French in particular. However Falkirk fought to the end and former United defender. Neil Duffy who was drafted in as an auxillary striker had a couple of chances to take the tie into extra-time. The fact that it didn't, can be put down to a remarkable last minute goalline clearance. John Clark somehow managed to back-heel a dangerous cross over his own goal to ensure our qualification for the quarter finals.