A HAT-TRICK from Simon Murray put the Arabs on the way to a comfortable win over Cowden in last night’s Betfred tie at Tannadice.

The Blues had Craig Sives back in defence for this tough test but United turned in a very accomplished performance to sweep the League 2 team aside.

The Championship favourites moved the ball about well and it all turned out to be a lesson for the young Cowdenbeath team.

The Blue Brazil needed to keep things tight early in the game but they were caught out when Murray fired the Tannadice Terrors ahead.

Cowden put together a couple of good moves and brought ‘keeper Cammy Bell into the game with a good save from Kris Renton but when Lewis Toshney converted from a set piece the Blues were up against.

Experienced Willo Flood was pulling the strings in midfield and young Cammy Smith grabbed number three but Cowden got the goal of the match shortly after when Chris Turner fired a fantastic shot into the top corner of the net giving Bell no chance.

However, the celebrations were short lived as Murray fired in his second before the break to leave the Blues three goals adrift at the break.

Cowdenbeath sent on Burton O’Brien for Gerry McLauchlan at the break and  Craig Johnston for Renton soon after but it made little difference as Murray completed his hat-trick as United went nap.

Cowden kept working hard though and Bell had to save from a Greg Ross shot but Henri Anier was on the spot to add number six late on.

It was a real lesson for the Blues against a team which is going to be up there in the Championship this seaon.

Cowdenbeath: Dave McGurn (7); Fraser Mullen (6), Shaun Rutherford (6); Craig Sives (6), Gerry McLauchlan (5) (Burton O’Brien 46 (5), Kyle Miller (6); Dean Brett (6), Greg Ross (6), Kris Renton (6) (Craig Johnston 57 (5), Chris Turner (David Robertson 74 (3)), Lewis Moore.

Attendance: 3,360.