St Johnstone roared into the semi-finals of the Co-operative Insurance Cup for the second time in four seasons after a frantic final 20 minutes saw them beat Dundee United 2-1.

A dull game was heading for extra-time until an own goal from Sean Dillon put Saints ahead in the 72nd minute after a Steven Anderson header had deflected off him from a corner.

The tie looked over four minutes later when Darren Dods deflected a free-kick from the excellent Liam Craig past his own goalkeeper to double the lead.

Prince Buaben grabbed his first goal in Scottish football with a looping header to set up a grandstand finish but Saints held on.