Veteran keeper Rab Douglas made a surprise return to action for the first time in nearly two years and kept a clean sheet as Arbroath took the points at Hampden.
Gayfield manager Dick Campbell opted to bring Douglas in as he was unhappy with some of the goals his side conceded recently.
The former Dundee, Celtic and Scotland shot-stopper admitted he had a degree of sympathy for the dropped David Hutton.
Well at the age of 45.6 years young ? I go and make my debut for @LichtiesNews after 3 spells with the club at the national stadium, great win for the boys and a clean sheet for the fat Cat ??????#maltwhisky better with age ???
— Robert Douglas (@Robert__Douglas) November 11, 2017
Courier columnist Douglas, 45, said: “It does not matter if you are 18 or 45 getting a clean sheet at Hampden is brilliant.
“This is my third stint helping Arbroath out and I didn’t think that I would ever play but there was a discussion this week and I knew what the manager was thinking.”
He added: “I was gutted for David as it is the one position where you cannot play anywhere else. It has happened to me but he was only one of four changes that were made.
“It is the loneliest place in the world when you make a mistake, and I have a black belt in making them,” he said.
“I am going to savour this game and not just because of the clean sheet. It could be my last one. Arbroath are a great club with good people so I am pleased that I have finally been able to help them.”
Hutton is set to be recalled next weekend against Berwick Rangers in the Scottish Cup as Douglas has a prior commitment.
The visitors opened the scoring on 19 minutes when Gavin Swankie created space and shot into the top corner.
The Red Lichties doubled their lead on 55 minutes when Colin Hamilton forced the ball home from close range after on-loan Hibs debutant Scott Martin was denied.
Campbell said: “The first goal was a great goal where we showed a lot of quality.
“Big Rab did not have a save to make and we were comfortable winners.”
