ARBROATH 1
DUNFERMLINE 3
Hilson (65)
Dow (28), Murray (36), O’hara (pen, 82)
Dunfermline defender Euan Murray netted his seventh goal in 10 games to help the Fifers cruise into the last eight of the Betfred Cup.
Murray grabbed Dunfermline’s second with Ryan Dow and Kevin O’hara also on the scoresheet to ensure Dale Hilson’s effort was just a consolation.
“Everyone keeps talking about Murray and the goals he is scoring for us,” said boss Stevie Crawford.
“It’s an incredible run of form he’s on for us right now and you wonder when it’s going to come to an end.
“I’m really pleased with him but I’m delighted for us as a team. The one thing I didn’t want us to do after beating Hearts was to allow our performance level to drop.”
Arbroath started well and former Pars defender James Craigen came close to putting them ahead in 18 minutes.
Craigen’s 20-yard strike was heading for the top corner before Pars’ keeper Owain FonWilliams produced a stunning fingertip save.
That proved to be a crucial save as Dunfermline scored on 28 minutes.
Dow picked the ball up on the right flank and cut inside Colin Hamilton before drilling low beyond Derek Gaston from 18 yards.
Dunfermline doubled their lead on 36 minutes as Gaston could only parry a Paul Watson header straight into the path of Murray who squeezed it home.
Arbroath brought on Bobby Linn and Dale Hilson at the break and the pair linked up to pull a goal back for the hosts on 65 minutes. Linn’s powerful run and cross made its way to Hilson who fired in from six yards.
But Dick Campbell’s men were dealt a killer blow as referee Nick Walsh awarded the visitors a penalty for a hand ball by Ricky Little.
Little did handle the ball but the award seemed soft as tried to protect himself from a Dow effort. Sub O’hara stepped up to slot home.
Campbell said: “I’ve only been in the game for 40 or 50 years and some decisions baffle me.
“Are you trying to tell me that was a penalty? It was a handball but what is Ricky supposed to do with his hand?
“Some of the changes to the rules over the last 10 years have been with a view to enhancing the game but they are having the opposite effect – they are killing the game.”