THE romance of the cup is a concept shunned by much of a Caledonian populace who accept that Scottish football, in an echo of Churchill, offers only blood, toil, tears and sweat.

Yet yesterday even the most cynical, even those most bruised by the blows inflicted by the national pastime had cause to consider that something extraordinary, something at least approaching romance had occurred at Hampden.

Ross County’s last-minute victory over Hibernian in the League Cup final, courtesy of a goal by Alex Schalk, adhered to the tradition of providing sporting excitement, particularly in the manner of its climax. But it is unusual to hear the losing manager describe the triumph of his opponents as a “fairytale”.

Yet the words spoken by Alan Stubbs in a post-match interview were both generous and apt. Ross County, once a Highland League side, now have their first major trophy to sit alongside Challenge Cup victories and lower league titles. The major cups of Scottish football now sit in the Highlands, with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, the product of a Highland League shotgun wedding, holding the Scottish Cup.

County’s win yesterday may have owed something to a fairytale in its narrative but not in its execution. This was a win built on modern football values. Adeptly coached by Jim McIntyre and Billy Dodds, County were set up to hit Hibs on the break. Both their goals came from swift moves that capitalised on Hibs’ errors.

Stubbs could fairly say his side dominated possession and had more shots on goal but County, somehow branded the underdogs although they sit in a league higher than the Edinburgh side, were decisive in the two moments of the match that ultimately impacted on the destiny of the trophy.

Indeed, they had justifiable cause for complaint over two decisions by officials. Brian Graham, the second-half substitute, seemed onside when he ran in to chip Mark Oxley but was ruled offside. Graham’s header into the net was also disallowed for a foul on Oxley that was difficult to discern. However, they prevailed by taking two of the few chances that fell to them. The first came after Anthony Stokes, on loan to Hibs from Celtic, was less than careful about retaining possession in his own half and Jackson Irvine, whose parents travelled from Melbourne to watch his man of the match performance, threaded through a pass that Michael Gardyne smuggled into the net despite a desperate challenge from Liam Fontaine who was to play a part in the remaining two goals in a constantly intriguing final.

The Hibs defender thrashed in the equaliser when County failed to clear a corner just before half-time. His part in the winner caused him anguish rather than jubilation, however. Just when it seemed likely the match would drift into extra-time, County broke in a manner that was almost traditional in the context of this match.

Gardyne, ignoring a knee injury that had felled him moments earlier, raced down the left flank and his driven cross was knocked into the path of Alex Schalk who made history with the simplest of finishes. Fontaine still had one moment of further excitement to play out in the final. With Highland throats cleared to cheer in triumph, he attempted an overhead kick that was tipped over the bar by Gary Woods. Moments later, the 8000-plus fans who had left Dingwall and its environs could celebrate the club’s greatest triumph.

As the buses revved up to take an ecstatic support back to hitherto unheralded footballing hotbeds such as Beauly, Muir of Ord and Tain, Scottish football could reflect on a new century that has witnessed the spectacular successes of sides like County and Inverness while Hearts, Rangers and Hibs have spent time in the lower divisions. In truth, though, the story for Hibs was almost traditional in its gaudy failure.

Hampden has been the abattoir of the Easter Road side’s hopes for long before Ross County were formed in 1929. Hibs fans have learned to wince at finals rather than to anticipate them with anything approaching optimism. Famously, they last won the Scottish Cup in 1902 but yesterday’s match fitted snugly into the Hibs template of dominating possession and chances but being left to watch the presentation of the cup rather than to participate in it.

Their best players, notably John McGinn and Jason Cummings, failed to make an impact. McGinn was outplayed by Irvine in midfield but Cummings was feckless in his decision-making though he was foiled by one fine save from Woods.

County, in contrast, were alert and energetic and played to a gameplan that sought to display their considerable strengths. They were brilliantly served by Irvine and the indefatigable Gardyne though Schalk will ever remain the romantic hero.

The season still contains the possibility of historic glory for both finalists. Ross County could acquire a place in Europe if Celtic win the Scottish Cup. Hibs face a Scottish Cup replay with Inverness as they seek both to win promotion and to end that hoodoo that stretches back to the days when cup triumphs were paraded not in open-top buses but in hansom cabs. It may yet be the year of Hibs history. But yesterday it was Ross County’s day. It will reverberate for as long as the football lover survives in Dingwall. And there is an undeniable romance in that.