Kovacevic caps Dundee United comeback against Rangers

This all became more fraught than it needed to be for Rangers. Their quest for a domestic treble remains on course but it will require a replay before this Scottish Cup quarter-final is settled. Dundee United, who had appeared destined for a long day's work when 3-1 down, recovered superbly to force a draw and a shot at Rangers on their own patch. That Lazarus act in itself should ensure another debate over match officials is avoided. United shocked Ibrox by taking the lead, only for two Kris Boyd penalty kicks to send Rangers in front before the interval. Whilst there should be little discussion about the first award, which came after the visiting goalkeeper Dusan Pernis upended Kenny Miller, the second was more debatable. Dougie McDonald, the referee, rather harshly judged that United's Sean Dillon had pushed, shoved or somehow illegally knocked over Boyd. In truth, the penalty ranked firmly in the category of soft. Nacho Novo apparently sent the hosts out of sight, three minutes after the break, but Steven Whittaker's own goal ensured United could fight and scratch until the very last seconds of this quarter-final. They did exactly that, and Mihael Kovacevic headed home the last of six goals 10 minutes from time. Whittaker's afternoon had started as poorly as it continued. The full-back placed a wayward pass at the feet of the United striker Jon Daly who played in Andis Shala. From a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper Allan McGregor, Shala supplied a cool finish. The two spot kicks followed, ensuring Boyd has scored seven times in his last two outings against this opposition. Novo collected a Steve Davis pass before shooting past Pernis. That, thought the Rangers support, was that. Yet Whittaker accidentally diverted a Morgaro Gomis volley past McGregor to offer United hope. Jubilation was soon their base emotion, Shala heading against the Rangers crossbar with Kovacevic on hand to nod home the rebound. Rangers, who have struggled at Tannadice in recent times, will hardly relish the replay.