stranraer 0 motherwell 3 Cadden (52) Johnson (84) McDonald (87)
A GOAL and an assist from Christopher Cadden helped Motherwell to a comfortable three points.
The hosts managed to keep their Premiership visitors at bay during the first-half before Motherwell stepped up a gear to pick up the win that sees them finish second in the group and go through along with Rangers.
Motherwell boss Mark McGhee praised the impact of Cadden, who also scored against East Stirlingshire during the week.
He said: “We feel as if Christopher should get goals. His energy is boundless and sometimes he has just got to channel that energy into productive things.
“Today he did and was terrific in the second-half and he is getting goals as well, which can only give him confidence.”
As expected, Motherwell had plenty of the ball in the first-half but all-too-often failed to turn their possession into any clear cut chances.
Their best chance came about through some sloppy play by Stranraer’s backline.
Goalkeeper Cameron Belford took far too long on a straightforward clearance, which struck Scott McDonald.
The ball fell kindly to Lionel Ainsworth but his shot from distance was tame.
But it did not take long for the visitors to get their noses in front in the second-half.
Cadden cut in from the left corner of the box and his drive was too hot for Belford to handle and flew into the top corner of the net.
They should have doubled that advantage two minutes later when Johnson exchanged passes with McDonald but again the final effort was tame.
Belford was more seriously tested just after the hour mark when he had to be alert to turn Cadden’s effort over his own crossbar.
But victory was made safe when the impressive Cadden robbed Liam Dick of the ball and picked out the unmarked Johnson, who confidently slotted home from 12 yards.
Motherwell added a third three minutes later when Johnson broke clear down the left and his cross was met by McDonald’s close range diving header.
Stranraer boss Brian Reid said: “We were very strong first-half and possibly having to go to Ibrox on Monday night and then another Premiership team here is difficult.
“Maybe tiredness played its part in the end.”