Dundee United 1-2 Crusaders

Dave Cushley's goal brought Crusaders level

Crusaders spoiled Csaba Laszlo's first match in charge of Dundee United by knocking the holders out of the Scottish Challenge Cup.

An added-time strike from substitute Gavin Whyte saw the Northern Irish Premiership side progress to the semi-finals.

United's captain for the day Fraser Fyvie gave his side the lead early in the second half with a terrific strike.

But poor marking allowed David Cushley to level the match with a free header.

Just as the match looked to be heading for extra-time, the visitors took advantage of a mix-up in the United defence and Whyte duly punished them.

• Laszlo vows team changes after cup loss

Laszlo is back in Scottish football having previously managed Hearts

None of the United players who started the win against St Mirren last week that took them joint top of the Championship with the Paisley club were in Laszlo's first starting line-up.

It was an opportunity for a number of youngsters as well as experienced players who have been on the fringe of the team recently.

James Keatings had the first real chance for United with a 25-yard left-foot shot that flew just over the bar.

William Edjenguele got his head on a Paul McMullan corner but with insufficient power to beat Crusaders goalkeeper Brian Jensen.

At the other end, Jordan Forsythe struck a 25-yard free-kick straight at Deniz Mehmet and Cushley failed to get enough elevation on his chipped effort when he was clean through, his effort easily clutched by the United keeper.

Television presenter Lorraine Kelly was in the home crowd at Tannadice

The introduction of Billy King gave United a new attacking option and he was instrumental in making the breakthrough.

His surge down the left wing ended with him turning the ball into the path of the supporting Fyvie and the midfielder struck an excellent shot into the top left corner of the net from 22 yards.

Crusaders equalised when an unchallenged Cushley easily headed a Jamie Glackin corner from the left past Mehmet.

King came close to putting United back in front when his shot slipped through the hands of Jensen but much to the relief of the Crusaders keeper, the ball rebounded back off the right-hand post.

Keatings, Edjenguele and King all went close as United pushed for a winner but it was not to fall for the Scottish side.

Then in the second minute of stoppage time a long clearance caused indecision at the heart of the United defence and Whyte pounced to blast home the winner and send the Northern Irish side into the last four of the competition.