The Scotsman

Three and easy as United go top of group

- By EUAN MCARTHUR at Tannadice

Dundee United surged into pole position in Group A of the Betfred Cup with a comfortabl­e win over Cowdenbeat­h.

Robbieneil­son’ssidenow know a victory in Tuesday’s home clash with East Fife should be enough to clinch their place in the last 16. Goals from summer signings Adrian Sporle and Lawrence Shankland as well as substitute Louis Appere proved enough to overcome Gary Bollan’s Blue Brazil.

Sporle struck midway through the first half before striker Shankland doubled their advantage approachin­g the hour mark, leaving Appere to complete the rout four minutes from time against their League Two visitors.

United had almost made the breakthrou­gh in the 15th minute when a cross from teenager Scott Banks was met by Shankland whose shot was saved by Kevin Dabrowski.

However, United did forge ahead in 26 minutes. Banks set up Shankland who, in turn, slipped in Sporle and the Argentine made no mistake with a cool finish from 12 yards.

They went all-out to finish the tie after the break and got their vital second goal in 59 minutes.

Banks’ delivery from the left was inch-perfect for Shankland who looped a header over Dabrowski and into the net.

With four minutes left, Appere finished things off with a looping header from a cross by fellow substitute Logan Chalmers.

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