It's the IRN-BRU Cup final tomorrow as St Mirren take on Dundee United at Fir Park for the chance to win domestic silverware for the first time since the League Cup triumph in 2013.
It's been a tricky road to the final for Saints this season, with the Buddies having to come from behind in all four ties they've played. It started back in September when a trip to Coatbridge to face Albion Rovers saw the side 2-0 down after just 13 minutes. But goals from Lewis Morgan, Stevie Mallan and John Sutton saw the Buddies go 3-2 up. They were, however, pegged back mere moments after making it 3-2 when Ross Dunlop scored his second of the match for the hosts. Saints scored the winner in extra time with Lawrence Shankland getting on the end of Sutton's cross to send Saints through.
St Mirren, having just announced the appointment of Jack Ross, travelled to Easter Road to face Hibernian in October. Caretaker manager Allan McManus was in charge of the team for the final time ahead of Jack's arrival and guided the side to a 2-1 win in Edinburgh with goals from Mallan and David Clarkson sealing Saints place in the quarter-final.
Indeed, Jack's first win as St Mirren manager came in the IRN-BRU Cup quarter-final tie against Ayr United at the Paisley 2021 Stadium. Again the Buddies had to come from behind with Andy O'Connell firing the visitors into the lead on 68 minutes. But Sutton was at the double, scoring two goals in as many minutes in the last 10 minutes of the game to seal a remarkable comeback.
All that stood in Saints way of a potential cup final was Welsh side, The New Saints. It was never going to be that simple though with TNS on a remarkable run of form this season. And the visitors proved they were up for the challenge when Ryan Brobbel put them 1-0 up with a great strike just before the half time interval. The Buddies came roaring back in the second half, aided by a real captain's performance from Stephen McGinn. The midfielder got Saints level with a magnificent goal on the hour mark. Mallan got his third goal in the competition less than ten minutes later to put St Mirren ahead. Sutton had the chance to make it 3-1 from the penalty spot, but saw his effort saved by TNS goalkeeper Harrison. He'd make no mistake a minute later though as he crashed home an effort after being laid off by Kyle Magennis. Rory Loy wrapped up the win in injury time when he knocked home from Mallan's free kick.
United's IRN-BRU Cup journey began with a hard-fought 3-2 win after extra-time against Peterhead. Tony Andreu's 116th minute goal finally saw off the stubborn League One side to set up an away trip to Stranraer. Again Andreu was the hero as he scored the game's only goal to give the Tangerines a 1-0 win. Championship side Dunfermline were overcome in the quarter-finals by the same scoreline thanks to Mark Durnan's early goal.
Their place in the final was secured with a 3-2 triumph over Queen of the South at Palmerston. United raced into a 3-0 lead in the first half thanks to goals from Charlie Telfer, Scott Fraser and Andreu. Stephen Dobbie pulled one back for Queens before Derek Lyle scored in injury time to make United sweat, but they held on to make their second Challenge Cup final.
For Saints this will be their third Challenge Cup final after having lost 3-0 to Falkirk back in 1993 and defeating Hamilton Accies 2-1 to clinch the cup in 2005.
United have played in the final once before, losing on penalties to Stenhousemuir in 1995 following a goalless 90 minutes and extra time.
The only time the St Mirren have faced Dundee United in a cup final came 30 years ago in May when Ian Ferguson's injury time saw the Buddies defeat United 1-0 to win their third Scottish Cup.
Saints come in to tomorrow's final in their best form all season. The Buddies have won four of their last six league matches including a 3-2 win over Dundee United at the Paisley 2021 Stadium just over a week ago. Whereas Ray McKinnon's side have failed to win since their 3-2 victory over Queen of the South in the semi-final last month. However, as is the old cliche, the form book goes out the window for both sides in this one-off match.
A win for St Mirren could help boost the players confidence ahead of the run-in to avoid relegation. For United, they will be desperate to use the cup final as the catalyst to kick-start their promotion hopes. With Saints tickets almost sold out, tomorrow promises to be a great occasion for players and supporters alike.
