What Is 2009 Scottish Challenge Cup Final

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2009 Scottish Challenge Cup Final was played on November 22, 2009, at McDiarmid Park, where Dundee defeated Inverness Caledonian Thistle 3–2 after extra time to claim the trophy.

Key Facts

The final took place on November 22, 2009 at McDiarmid Park in Perth.
Dundee won the match 3–2 after extra time against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
This was Dundee's first Challenge Cup title in the club's history.
The attendance was 5,957 fans at McDiarmid Park.
The competition is officially known as the Scottish League Cup for teams outside the Scottish Premiership.

Overview

The 2009 Scottish Challenge Cup Final marked a historic moment for Dundee Football Club, as they lifted the trophy for the first time in their history. The match was contested between Dundee and Inverness Caledonian Thistle, both clubs competing in the Scottish First Division at the time.

Played on November 22, 2009, at McDiarmid Park—the home ground of St Johnstone—the final attracted a crowd of 5,957 spectators. After a tense 90 minutes ended 2–2, the match went into extra time, where Dundee secured a dramatic 3–2 victory.

November 22, 2009 was the official date of the final, making it one of the later Challenge Cup finals in the competition's history.
The venue, McDiarmid Park in Perth, was selected as a neutral site to host the final, a common practice for this tournament.
Dundee scored the winning goal in the 104th minute through Craig Forsyth, sealing their first major silverware since financial troubles in the early 2000s.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle had previously won the Challenge Cup in 2003 and were aiming for their second title, but fell short this time.
The competition is officially open to clubs in the Scottish Football League below the top tier, including reserve teams of Premiership clubs, though none participated in 2009.

How It Works

The Scottish Challenge Cup, officially known as the Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Cup due to sponsorship, operates as a knockout tournament for lower-division Scottish clubs. It was first introduced in 1990 to increase competitive opportunities for teams outside the top flight.

Eligibility: Teams from League One, League Two, and the Highland and Lowland Leagues are eligible to enter, along with invited reserve sides from Premiership clubs.
Knockout Format: The competition uses a single-elimination structure, with ties decided by extra time and penalties if necessary after a draw.
Final Venue: The final is held at a neutral stadium, often McDiarmid Park or Falkirk Stadium, depending on availability and capacity.
Sponsorship: Since 2013, Tunnock's has sponsored the cup, but in 2009 it was known as the ALBA Challenge Cup due to ALBA Group's sponsorship.
Historical Context: The Challenge Cup was originally called the B&Q Cup and has undergone several name changes due to sponsorship deals over the years.
Player Eligibility: Clubs may field full squads, but no international restrictions apply, allowing foreign players to participate without limitations.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2009 final compared to other recent Challenge Cup finals in key metrics:

Year	Winner	Score	Venue	Attendance
2009	Dundee	3–2 (a.e.t.)	McDiarmid Park	5,957
2008	Falkirk	1–0	Falkirk Stadium	4,135
2007	Ross County	1–1 (3–2 pens)	Excelsior Stadium	3,890
2006	Gretna	2–0	Falkirk Stadium	4,065
2005	Falkirk	2–1	McDiarmid Park	5,156

The 2009 final had the highest attendance of any Challenge Cup final between 2005 and 2009, reflecting Dundee's strong fan base and the competitive nature of the match. It also marked the first time a team from the First Division won the trophy since 2006, highlighting the tournament’s role in giving smaller clubs a chance at silverware.

Why It Matters

The 2009 final was more than just a trophy win—it symbolized a resurgence for Dundee FC after years of financial instability and relegation battles. Winning the Challenge Cup provided a morale boost and a rare moment of celebration for the club and its supporters.

Boosted club morale: After years of financial difficulty, the win gave Dundee a much-needed positive headline and renewed fan engagement.
Historic achievement: It was the first national cup win for Dundee since the 1973 Scottish Cup, ending a 36-year drought in cup competitions.
Player recognition: Craig Forsyth, who scored the winning goal, earned a move to Watford in the English Championship the following season.
Financial incentive: Prize money and gate receipts from the final provided a modest but welcome financial boost to the club.
Community pride: The victory united the Dundee community and was celebrated widely in the city, reinforcing local identity through sport.
Tournament significance: The match highlighted the value of the Challenge Cup in giving lower-tier clubs meaningful competitive opportunities.

Ultimately, the 2009 Scottish Challenge Cup Final remains a memorable chapter in Scottish football history—not for its scale, but for its emotional resonance and the underdog triumph it represented.