Saints handed possible last eight draw with Taysiders

Feb 11 2010 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

ST MIRREN will face a tricky tie at home to Dundee United in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup – provided they can upset the odds by beating Rangers at Ibrox in their fifth round replay.

Gus MacPherson’s men were yesterday handed a possible last-eight tie with the Tannadice outfit when the quarter-finals draw was made at Hampden.

It means that, should the Paisley side win the fifth round replay at Ibrox next Wednesday, they will line up against Dundee United at St Mirren Park on Saturday, March 13, with a place in the last four at stake.

And history is on St Mirren’s side as they have beaten Dundee United eight times in this competition over the years, while the Taysiders have only managed three wins.

The last Scottish Cup meeting between the sides was two years ago, when an Andy Dorman goal – his first ever for the club – was enough to seal a slender 1-0 fifth round win at Tannadice.

Saints began their campaign in this season’s Active Nation Scottish Cup last month when they defeated Alloa Athletic at home.

A hat-trick from Billy Mehmet was enough to seal a 3-1 win over the Recreation Park outfit.

That set up a fifth round clash with cup holders Rangers last Saturday, when the sides played out a 0-0 draw at St Mirren Park.

Last season, MacPherson’s men went as far as the semi-finals at Hampden but their hopes of a final fling ended when Rangers knocked them out with a 3-0 win.

Fans are being reminded that tickets for next Wednesday’s fifth round replay at Ibrox will be on sale at the St Mirren ticket office today and tomorrow.

Tickets can be bought up to 4pm today, while the box office will be open until 5pm tomorrow.