United make hard work of Airdrie in their CIS Cup tie at Tannadice last night.

United were saved from a humiliating CIS Insurance Cup exit at the hands of Airdrie United with David Robertson's extra-time goal sealing a 1-0 win.

The 18-year-old substitute replaced Greg Cameron at the start of the added 30 minutes after the Diamonds put up a superb rearguard action to deny their Bank of Scotland Premier League opponents.

Airdrie goalkeeper Stephen Robertson looked destined to get his big chance at penalties, but, with only three minutes of the match remaining, the youngster bulleted a header home. United had most possession during a dire opening 45 minutes but by no means got things their own way against the plucky Division One side.

Airdrie arrived at Tannadice clearly intent on unsettling their hosts and had their first shot on goal after only four minutes. Derek Stillie's jittery attempt to save a 25-yard Graeme Holmes shot did not inspire confidence among his defenders and they looked much less solid than they had against Dunfermline last weekend.

United carved open the visitors defence after 12 minutes but Lee Miller was beaten to the ball after Noel Hunt's cross had been played into his path by Craig Conway. Airdrie refused to be rattled and carved open the best chance of the first half, which fell to Willie McLaren after 32 minutes. The youngster latched on to a Holmes through ball but sprinted too wide and eventually slammed his shot into the side-netting.

United finished the half in the ascendancy but were denied a half-time lead by Robertson, who pulled off a terrific one-handed stop to deny Barry Robson. The Tangerines appealed for a penalty in the 48th minute after a foul on Greg Cameron but referee Stephen Conroy waved away their shouts.

Robson should have finally given his team the elusive first goal in the 59th minute but somehow contrived to shoot wide from point-blank range after Hunt missed Conway's cross from the right. Robertson was the hero of the night for his team and received rapturous applause from the visiting fans for three superb saves which denied Hunt, twice, and Miller. But he had no answer for Robertson's late header, which squirmed beyond his right hand.

Dundee United: Stillie, Proctor, McCracken, Archibald, Kalvenes, Conway (Samuel 74), Kerr, Cameron (Robertson 103), Robson, Miller, Hunt (Robb 86).
Subs Not Used: McLean, Kenneth.

Booked: Cameron, Samuel.

Goal: Robertson 118.

Airdrie United: Robertson, McKenna, Tierney, Smyth (Christie 92), Lovering, McKeown, Taylor, Holmes (Watson 82), McLaren (McDougall 83), Prunty, McPhee.
Subs Not Used: Hollis.

Booked: Taylor, Lovering.

Att: 2,851

Ref: S Conroy