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Rangers twice came from behind before beating Dundee United in a penalty shoot-out to win a pulsating CIS Insurance Cup final.

Substitute Kris Boyd was the hero after scoring a double before firing the winning penalty.

Noel Hunt had given United the lead before Boyd equalised after pouncing on Mark Kerr's defensive mistake.

Mark De Vries put United back in front before Boyd headed a second, as Gers won their first trophy in three years.

Rangers made two changes to the side which faced Werder Bremen in the Uefa Cup.

Suspended duo Nacho Novo and Charlie Adam were replaced by Lee McCulloch and Chris Burke.

Dundee United manager Craig Levein, leading a team out at Hampden for the first time, made four changes after his side's midweek goalless draw at Celtic.

Noel Hunt returned to the starting line-up along with Christian Kalvenes, Willo Flood and Morgaro Gomis.

Out went David Robertson and Craig Conway, who dropped to the bench and cup-tied duo Danny Grainger and Jim O'Brien.

Noel Hunt scores the opening goal for United
Noel Hunt put United in front at Hampden

Levein said before the game that the players were determined to lift the trophy for club chairman Eddie Thompson, who is suffering from cancer.

The opening 10 minutes were fairly low-key as both sides struggled to establish any rhythm.

Zaluska produced a stunning save in the 18th minute when McCulloch dummied Kirk Broadfoot's cross and the keeper parried Barry Ferguson's shot.

Garry Kenneth headed away Rangers crosses time and again as Broadfoot became more dangerous as the first-half progressed.

Hunt gave United a deserved lead in the 33rd minute.

The Irishman's initial shot was saved by McGregor, but Rangers failed to clear their lines and Hunt managed to force the ball over the line at the second attempt.

Dundee United chairman Eddie Thompson (centre)
Dundee United chairman Eddie Thompson cheered on his side

Darcheville came on for Brahim Hemdani at the start of the second half as Rangers searched for an equaliser.

United claimed for a penalty in the 53rd minute when Cuellar appeared to pull back Kalvenes in the box, but referee Kenny Clark waved play on.

Darcheville was denied an equaliser when Zaluska blocked the Frenchman's shot with his heel to deflect the ball wide for a corner.

Rangers equalised with six minutes remaining when Mark Kerr inexplicably attempted a passback to the keeper, and Boyd rifled the ball home.

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De Vries put United back in front at the start of extra-time when he drilled the ball bast McGregor from the right-hand side of the box.

Prince Buaben played a superb pass through to the Dutchman who swept the ball home to cap a fine flowing move.

Boyd equalised for a second time when United failed to clear their lines and he headed home at the back post.

David Robertson, Craig Conway and Lee Wilkie missed penalties in the shoot-out for United, with Rangers' Darcheville and McCulloch also seeing their spot-kicks saved.

Boyd then kept his nerve to score the winner in the shoot-out and deny United their first trophy since 1994.

Dundee Utd: Zaluska, Kovacevic, Kenneth, Wilkie, Kalvenes, Buaben (Robertson 97), Flood, Kerr, Gomis, Hunt (Conway 78), De Vries. Subs Not Used: McLean, Dods, Dillon.

Booked: Kalvenes.

Goals: Hunt 34, De Vries 96.

Rangers: McGregor, Broadfoot, Cuellar, Weir, Papac (Boyd 61), Hemdani (Darcheville 45), Dailly, Burke (Whittaker 116), Ferguson, Davis, McCulloch. Subs Not Used: Alexander, Thomson.

Booked: Broadfoot, McCulloch.

Goals: Boyd 85, 113.

Rangers win 3-2 on penalties

Att: 50,019

Ref: K Clark