Houston pleased to get through

Dundee United manager Peter Houston was understandably relieved after the visitors recorded their first win in five games against Second Division pacesetters Queen of the South in the Scottish Communities League Cup.

Striker Johnny Russell scored the only goal of the contest just before the half-hour but it was sufficient to confirm his side a quarter-final place.

Their in-form Dumfries hosts had already accounted for both Rangers and Hibernian in cup competitions this season and Houston was always anticipating a tough encounter.

"First half, we played some good stuff and created a few chances," he told BBC Scotland. "I'm really pleased because, with the pedigree of the teams that Queens have beaten this season, coming down here is no mean task.

"What we were trying to do in the second half was to counter-attack and get in behind, but there were a few balls overhit," Houston added. "We didn't show the composure we should have done and that is disappointing, but the result in cup ties is always more important than the performance."

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