United went on to defeat Division One clubs Airdrieonians and archrivals Dundee before eliminating Tayside derby rivals St Johnstone in the semi-finals.

After winning against defending champions Aberdeen in the third round, Motherwell defeated Division One clubs Falkirk and Greenock Morton then the previous seasons runners-up, Celtic, in a replayed semi-final.

In the semi-finals Motherwell faced the previous season's runners-up, Celtic, at Hampden Park with the game ending in another 0–0 draw for the club.

United won the tie 3–1 to progress to the semi-finals where they faced other rivals St Johnstone from nearby Perth in a Tayside derby.

The opening goal came on 32 minutes when Motherwell's Iain Ferguson headed the ball into the top corner past Alan Main.

Dundee United's Jim McInally came close to equalising with a shot near the end of the first half, but Motherwell held on to their lead for half-time.

Early in the second half, Motherwell goalkeeper Ally Maxwell was badly injured as a result of a challenge with United's John Clark.

Motherwell retook the lead a mere three minutes later when a Davie Cooper free-kick was flicked on by John Clark and headed past Alan Main by Phil O'Donnell.

The Steelmen further extended their lead on 65 minutes when an Ian Angus shot from the edge of the penalty box flew into the top corner of the goal.

Dundee United pushed on again in another effort to draw level, and near the end Maurice Malpas was denied a goal by a flying save from Maxwell.