Tangerines out on penalties

Dundee United crashed out of the Scottish Communities League Cup on penalties after a 2-2 draw with first division Falkirk at Tannadice.

Substitute Johnny Russell had equalised within a few minutes of Farid El Alagu's 70th minute header and Jon Daly then gave the hosts the lead in extra-time.

However, Falkirk substitute Ally Graham levelled with two minutes remaining and his side eventually took the penalty shoot-out 5-4 after Willo Flood was the only player to miss from the spot.

Stewart Murdoch converted the winning kick to earn Falkirk a place in the semi-final after already knocking out holders Rangers in the previous round.

The Tangerines had chances with midfielder Scott Robertson heading wide early on and Lauri Dalla Valle seeing another header turned over by goalkeeper Michael McGovern. Daly also crashed a shot against the crossbar from the edge of the area.

But it was their visitors going ahead when substitute Dale Fulton's cross was headed in by El Alagui, although Russell soon drilled into the far corner to equalise.

Russell could then have twice won the contest in normal time before setting up Daly for what appeared the winner six minutes into extra-time.

Goalscorer Daly then struck another effort against the crossbar and also headed Flood's corner wide while El Alagu fired across goal in reply.

Falkirk keeper McGovern in turn denied Russell and opposite number Dusan Pernis restricted El Alagu, but was left helpless as Graham stabbed home a late equaliser.

Defender Gavin Gunning had a late chance to win it for the hosts until McGovern diverted aside his close-range finish before Flood hoisted over during the penalty shoot-out to send them tumbling out of the competition.

Dundee United: Pernis, Dixon, Kenneth, Watson, Gunning, Flood, Robertson (Armstrong 94), Rankin, Douglas, Daly, Dalla Valle (Russell 56)

subs (unused): Banks, Allan, Dow

Goals: Russell (73), Daly (96)

Falkirk: McGovern, Duffy (L. Dick 75), S. Kingsley, Dods, Wallace, Murdoch, Weatherston, J. Fulton (Graham 100), Alston (Fulton 69), El Alagui, Higginbotham

subs (unused): Bowman, R. Millar

Goals: El Alagui (70), Graham (118)

Ref: Murray

Att: 4,188

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