Marc Fitzpatrick netted his first goal for Well in the dying seconds of extra-time to clinch a 3-2 semi-final triumph over the Jambos last night.

The 18-year-old substitute's dramatic strike capped an astonishing evening's entertainment for the 14,000-strong crowd at Easter Road.

Butcher's boys had taken a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Stephen Craigan - it was also the defender's first strike for Well - and Richie Foran.

However, John Robertson's side had deservedly levelled a classic cup tie at the death with goals from ex-Celt Mark Burchill and Hjalmar Thorarinsson.

That set up a tense finale and the match was only settled in the last moments when Fitzpatrick linked with team-mate Scott McDonald and fired past Hearts keeper Craig Gordon.

The historic victory puts the Steelmen into their first League Cup final since 1955 when, ironically enough, they were beaten 4-2 by the Tynecastle club.

And they now have the chance to lift the famous old trophy for the first time since 1951 when they travel to Hampden on Sunday, March 20, to face Dundee United or Rangers in the final.

Butcher beamed: "We can win this competition. To lose two goals like we did and be forced into extra-time could have resulted in our boys buckling. But they toughed it out.

"They showed great resolve to play some good football and create chances in extra-time and that augurs well for us when it comes to the final."

Butcher had his nerves shredded like no other time in his rollercoaster spell in charge of Well when his young team were pegged back to 2-2.

And the former England captain revealed how he borrowed a line used by legendary coach Sir Alf Ramsey in the 1966 World Cup Final to rally his shattered troops before extra-time.

Terry said: "I employed the old Alf Ramsey tactic. I told them: 'You've won the game once, now go out and win it again.'

"Gordon Marshall also had a few useful comments. The players listen to him more than me so he has to take a lot of credit. He was outstanding on the park and before extra-time."

Butcher also singled out Fitzpatrick for special praise and revealed his heart was in his mouth when the young matchwinner was through on goal due to a clanger earlier this season.

He explained: "Marc blew a great chance in a game against Hibs here this season. Martyn Corrigan put him in and he had an open goal and missed at the same end.

"When he was in on goal last night I immediately thought: 'Oh no! Here we go again!' Seriously, though, I had every confidence he would put it in.

"If you are going to score a winner you are best to do right at the end of time and that is exactly what he did. I didn't have a clue about penalty kicks or who was going to take them."

Taken from eveningtimes.co.uk