The 2010 Scottish Cup Final Preview

WHEN Hibs went one up against Ross County in the first minute of the quarter final at Easter Road, I turned to my mate and said smugly: “It’s a shame for their fans, travelling all that way to see their team getting humped.” My equally patronising pal agreed and we both decided that it would be nice to see them get a consolation goal to make the journey home more bearable.

Ninety minutes later, after being comprehensively outplayed, only an Ian Murray goal line clearance kept Hibs in the cup, albeit temporarily.

Now, two months later, those same fans and many more will be heading to Hampden.  Normally, when a ‘wee’  team gets to a major cup final, they will have enjoyed a lucky cup run, playing against other lower division teams, or if they did have to play an SPL team, it was usually Aberdeen.

That accusation could certainly not be levelled against the Dingwall club. Not only did they dispose of the mighty Hibernian, but they then had the audacity to see off Celtic in the semis. Even when they did have fellow ‘wee’ teams, they hammered Stirling Albion nine-nil at Forthview, and easily disposed of Inverurie Locos, to become only the fifth first division club to reach a Scottish Cup Final since the four league system was introduced in 1994.

So, take it from me, Ross County have a great chance of glory on Saturday.

On the other hand, I also watched Hibs go one up in the first minute against Dundee United at Easter Road, then had to endure a lesson in fitba from the men in tangerine, before we finally lost 4-2, so the Arabs are no mugs either. In fact, that was probably the best performance from an away team all season at Easter Road.

Back to Ross County though. Manager Derek Adams deserves all the plaudits going for the work he has done to take his team to the cup final, and to within touching distance of promotion. At only 34, he could become the youngest ever manager to win the Scottish Cup, and is already being tipped for greater things, with media reports this week suggesting that he believes that he has taken the Highlanders as far as he can.

If a ‘better’ offer comes his way, the County chairman is unlikely to stand in his way, since it is his father George.

And while the Staggies fans will also play their part, with an incredible 15,000 tickets sold already, it’s all down to how the players perform on the day.

United on the other hand are the bookies favourites. They also have a ‘rookie’ manager in Peter Houston, who took over from Craig Levine, although if rumours are true, he could be teaming up with his former boss next season at Parkhead.

Whatever happens, it’s been a fantastic season for the Arabs, who were recently tipped to split the Old Firm, before a Neil Lennon inspired Celtic went on a winning run. Their third place finish guarantees European football at Tannadice next year, so it’s perhaps no great surprise that they had one eye on the final when they finished with a lacklustre home performance against Hibs.

One man who will almost certainly play his last match for United in the cup final is on loan defender Andy Webster. The big centre half has displayed the form which saw him gain international recognition earlier in his career, but he is taking nothing for granted and who can blame him. In a career blighted by injury and misfortune, Webster should have already had a cup winner’s medal, but a fall out with Vladamir Romanov resulted in him being dropped for the final when Hearts beat Gretna, despite having played in all the previous rounds.

A FIFA world wide ban followed by a freak injury on his first day at Ibrox partly explains why he is superstitious.

Webster’s battle with County’s Stephen Craig will be one of the deciding factors in the final. The son of former cup winner Joe Craig is desperate to repeat his semi final achievements.

Swiss stopper Mihael Kovacevic will also have his hands full against the conqueror of Hibs, Michael Gardyne, while at the other end Martin Scott will have to contend with Middlesbrough target Morgaro Gomis.

Midfield may see two of Scotland’s most skilful players with Danny Swanson and Paul Di Giacomo up against each other, while young player of the year David Goodwillie won’t have things all his own way against David Boyd who had none other than Robbie Keane in his back pocket during the semi final.

In goal, Michael McGovern, who spent last season kicking his heels at Tannadice is desperate to put one over on his former team mates while Dusan Pernis will need all his concentration.

History favours the Arabs who have beaten Ross County in three out of the four previous meetings since 1995 when the Staggies joined the senior ranks. Their last meeting was at Dingwall earlier this season when United won 2-0 in the third round of the League Cup.

United’s cup final record is nothing to boast about however, losing in seven out of their eight previous appearances. Their only success was when they stopped Rangers winning a second treble in 1994, and ironically the winning goal was a three yard thunderbolt by current Ross County assistant manager, and Dundee United fan Craig Brewster.

One aspect where County do have an advantage though, is the traditional cup final song. Whilst the United squad would give Simon Cowell a heart attack with their rendition of ‘Love is in the Air,’ the Staggies have sought the assistance of local band Torridan to bring out their own adapted version of the Proclaimers’ hit ‘We’re on our way.’

The game is on live on BBC1 and Sky Sports, and if you fancy a flutter, you can get 75-1 on Michael Gardyne scoring first and County winning 1-0.

Whatever happens, it’s sure to be a great day for fans of both sides, and neutrals everywhere.