Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara revealed he was eventually able to enjoy what was a Tannadice thriller.
The Tangerines grabbed a 5-2 win over Kilmarnock to head into the Scottish Cup fifth round draw that will take place at Hampden on Monday.
Despite the final scoreline it was not a straightforward passage past the Ayrshire men. Goals from Andrew Robertson (two), Stuart Armstrong, a penalty from substitute Brian Graham and Gary Mackay-Steven gave the Tangerines what was eventually an emphatic win.
However, Killie gave them a serious scare when they levelled through Darren Barr and then took the lead thanks to a great strike from Chris Johnston.
The Tangerines then rallied to bang in four without reply and McNamara said: “It was an exciting night.
“I think the game had everything. I thought it was a great cup-tie. I would give credit to Kilmarnock for that second half, although they sat in a bit in the first.
“They got their tails up after the first goal and then scored a fantastic second goal through the young lad Johnston. We had lost our way a wee bit at that point but I was delighted with the response.
“It was similar to the Partick game on Saturday in the way we just kept going and going. We got our reward for that and I am delighted to be in the next round.
“I thought it might have been one of those nights but fortunately it went for us in the end and I can enjoy my weekend now.”
Robertson was United’s star man on a night when scouts from England flocked north to watch Ryan Gauld.
The defender has now netted four times in the last three matches and McNamara joked: “I didn’t bring Andy here for his goals but I am glad to have them. He was up in their box for the first one but that’s what he is like in training he wants to be involved in everything and he wants to score goals.”
Gauld didn’t have his best game but did pick up an injury in his last match against Partick Thistle on Saturday, perhaps offering an explanation.
McNamara said: “I thought young Ryan was quiet tonight and he was maybe feeling the wee knock he got. He was still involved in three of our goals, though.”
One black spot on the night was the news that striker Nadir Ciftci had pulled his hamstring and will be out until the new year.
The United gaffer confirmed: “He has pulled his hamstring and could be out for a number of weeks. I saw him pull up and he is in a bit of pain at the moment.”
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