Managers Post United

28/10/08: "The massive turning point for me was the referee's decision when Andy Kirk was through one on one. The two players have run into each other and it is very rarely that Andy Kirk misses one on ones.

Jim McIntyre was pleased that his team went to Tannadice and gave their SPL opponents a good run for their money.

"I asked the boys at half time to go and show what good players they are; get the ball down and start creating some more chances. I thought we did that in the second half, we tested their keeper on a few occasions but on the night he had a very good game.

"Dundee United are a quality team, you are not just going to turn up and get your own way. I thought we started the game the better. In the first fifteen minutes we looked well then we lost a poor goal from our point of view. It was a great strike from the boy (Scott Robertson) and after that it took us a wee while to find our feet again.

"We went in at 1-0 and it could maybe have been two but in the second half we came out and had a go. It just wasn't to be on the night.

"The massive turning point for me was the referee's decision when Andy Kirk was through one on one. The two players have run into each other and it is very rarely that Andy Kirk misses one on ones. That was a crucial point."

Macca had not taken this up with Dougie MacDonald after the match:-

"There is no point. His fourth official on the sidelines, the United coaching staff as well clearly saw that the two boys ran into each other. He thought Andy had pushed the boy into him. We have just got to get on with it.

"I am proud of the players and the way they responded in the second half by having a real go against a quality team, lets not forget that. We went for it at the end and left ourselves a wee bit open. They hit the post and the bar as well but I am pleased with the players and proud with the way they performed. We just need to lick our wounds and get ready for St Johnstone on Saturday."

Craig Levein was just happy to get the result:-

"This was always going to be a hard game for us. I don't think anybody could argue that we didn't deserve to win but we weren't at our best, other than to say that I thought we defended magnificently.

"We had players who were a little below what they can do but I said to them after the game that I don't give a toss about that. We are in the Semi Final and that's all that matters.

"It was a difficult night; I thought Dunfermline were well organised with a lot of Premierleague players in their team. People will be looking for the romance of the cup where the underdog manages to get through but if you look at the game in the cold light of day I thought the best team won."

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