Jim Duffy hailed his Greenock Morton men after they made history by reaching the League Cup semi-final stage for the first time in 37 years following a 2-1 win over Dundee United.

The Greenock side sealed their place in the last four thanks to goals from Jai Quitongo and Thomas O'Ware, rendering Nick van der Velden's second-half reply for United little more than a consolation.

Morton's last semi-final meeting in the League Cup was against Alex Ferguson's Aberdeen side in 1979 which they lost, while two years later they were beaten by Rangers in their last Scottish Cup semi-final appearance.

And Duffy lauded their "brilliant" achievement at Cappielow on Tuesday.

"1979 was the last time we were in the League Cup semi-final and there have been a lot of fantastic sides at this club since then," the Morton boss said.

"The fact we have managed to achieve it is brilliant. We have beaten two Premiership teams (Kilmarnock and Hamilton) and beaten a top-class side in United.

"It's a piece of history for the club. We weren't thinking about that but for the club it's great."

Quitongo rifled the home side into the lead midway through the first half before a header from skipper O'Ware doubled the Ton's advantage. Van der Velden's drive halved the deficit for United but Morton held on for a memorable win.

"It was a terrific cup tie. We started really well and got the two goals," Duffy said.

"We had to deal with pressure but I can't remember Andy (McNeil) having too much to do and we always looked a threat.

"One or two of the players got a wee bit edgy but you expect that. We weathered a storm and did well.

"We shifted things around, we brought young players on and I'm delighted.

"United are a fantastic side who are trying to get back to the Premiership but this is our night. We are in the semi-final and we will enjoy it."