Two last-minute equalisers saw substitute striker Kris Boyd help Rangers beat Dundee United 3-2 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in the CIS Insurance Cup final.

Boyd scored the winning spot kick after twice pulling Rangers back level against United.

After a lacklustre opening 30 minutes, Irishman Noel Hunt - brother of Reading winger Stephen - had brought the final alive when he put United ahead on his second attempt.

Rangers keeper Allan McGregor initially parried a 12-yard shot from Hunt but he could not be denied just seconds later when he flicked the ball into the net.

United almost doubled their advantage a minute from half-time when Bosnia defender Sasa Papac knocked the ball through McGregor's legs from six metres, but Spanish defender Carlos Cuellar blasted it clear from the line.

United claimed for a penalty in the 53rd minute after Cuellar appeared to haul down Christian Kalvenes, but referee Kenny Clark waved play on.

With time running out for Rangers, Boyd pounced on Mark Kerr's mistake in defence to level the score in the 85th minute.

After Dutch striker Mark De Vries cracked home a fine 16-yard shot to put United ahead in extra time, Boyd again rescued Rangers's hopes.

He headed in from close range to pull Rangers level at 2-2 in the 113th minute and the match headed towards a penalty shootout.

David Robertson, Craig Conway and Lee Wilkie missed penalties for United.

After seeing team mates Jean-Claude Darcheville and Lee McCulloch also fail to net their spot-kicks, Boyd kept his nerve to score the winner.

Reuters