Stuart Kettlewell hailed the composure of Lennon Miller after the 18-year-old kept his cool to send Motherwell into the semi-finals of the Premier Sports Cup.
The Steelmen were pegged back after former fan favourite Louis Moult came off the bench to net an 83rd-minute equaliser for Dundee United.
However, they were awarded the perfect chance to claim victory when referee John Beaton pointed to the spot following a rash challenge from Luca Stephenson on Moses Ebiye in added time.
Miller stepped up to take the resulting spot-kick and sent Jack Walton the wrong way to send Fir Park wild.
The Well boss said: “I think I had more beads of sweat on my brow than he had.
“Nothing really surprises me with him, I’ve got so much trust that he picks the ball up, spots it and puts it in the back of the net.”
Backed by a bumper crowd, Kettlewell was keen to thank the home fans for creating a special atmosphere that he believes played a crucial part in clinching them a place in their first cup semi-final in over six years.
Volunteers and members of the Well Society board spent much of the week promoting the clash with United around the local area – and it paid dividends as the supporters played the role of 12th man.
“I hope it’s something we can build on, there was a major push which created a special night for the football club,” Kettlewell added.
“If we bring our energy and desire, then the crowd here will always appreciate you.
“We’ve not won any silverware, but what it is is another step in the right direction.
“It pleases me that it was with the special atmosphere that was created here tonight – that can be a powerful thing for us moving forward.
“It’s pure appreciation from my side for the fans to get out on a Friday night and support the team in the way they did.”
Terrors boss Jim Goodwin was gutted after seeing his side miss out on a showpiece fixture at Hampden.
United looked to have built momentum following their equaliser before being dealt a cruel late blow.
“It’s as low as I’ve felt after a game for a long time,” Goodwin said.
“Given what we put into the game to get ourselves level and when we got the equaliser, I thought we were well on top in the game and had Motherwell rattled.
“The only criticism is, in going for the second goal and being as adventurous as we were – we left ourselves open at times and vulnerable on the counter-attack.”
