Sadly, our optimism was yet again misplaced. We took the lead but McFadden was harshly sent off and Burns equalised with a sensational free kick. Toastie scored from the spot to put the Jags ahead but we deserved to level and duly did when David Partridge headed home from close range. We left happy with a point but yet again we had to reflect on what might have been.
The cup draw, as usual, hadn’t been particularly kind but 2500 confident ‘Well fans travelled down to 
Our squad was strengthened by the short term signings of defender Tony Vaughan and striker Richard Offiong. Both were in the squad for the six pointer at Tannadice. United went one up but a Clarkson dive in the box resulted in Combe being sent off and allowed
The cup provided a pleasant break from the league struggle and
T
hree wins in a row then and things were looking up. We were playing well at Tynecastle and when Lasley scored a sensational equaliser it seemed only one team would go on to win. McFadden then blasted over a glorious chance, Stamp scored the winner on a break against the run of play and that was that. In retrospect, it is easy to identify this match as the punch in the stomach which fatally wounded our season. This was the first game in a run which was to see us pick up one point out of thirty. We could easily have drawn at home to 
Our poor league form was not transferred to the cup thankfully and we were given the best tie possible in the quarter finals, a cracking day out to Stranraer. We made a very edgy start and were only leading at the break due to an own goal. The second half was a different story and we strolled to a 4-0 win. This match was memorable not only for the great ticket scramble – we took more than our allocation of 2800 – but the mini street party after the match in Girvan. Every supporters’ bus seemed to stop there for chips on the journey home and the players’ bus was given a rapturous reception as it passed through the town.
The semi final against Rangers was an amazing game. One down within seconds, we fought back brilliantly and great goals from Craig and McFadden put us in the lead. Then came the ‘Smith must score’ moment ‘Well fans will remember for decades. Amoruso slipped out wide, Craig’s cross was perfect and Clarkson’s finish beat Klos. It was only when we were three feet in the air that we realised it had beaten the post as well. 
Predictably, Rangers came out refreshed in the second half and our sloppy defence let in three goals.
Part two here.
Review of 2002(2) here.
Review of 2001 here.