COWDENBEATH taught Edinburgh University a lesson in finishing as they produced a five-star performance to maintain their fine form in 2023.

The new year has brought newfound optimism and indeed new signings, with the Blue Brazil's latest recruits getting in on the act at East Peffermill.

Midweek signings Scott Walker and Dan Watt both went into the squad for the trip to the capital, with experienced defender Iain Davidson also returning to the team.

The trio all fired home during the win, with Mikey Cunningham and Sam Newman also on the scoresheet in the away rout.

The struggling Students worked hard throughout but as time went on Cowden wore down their challenge and the goals came.

On the blustery afternoon, the Uni had the first chance of the afternoon when Ryan Murray saw his shot from the edge of the box held by Danny Farrell.

Then minutes later, at the other end, Sam Newman sent a shot across the face of the home goal as Cowden gradually took control, and with 12 minutes gone Cunningham got on the end of a Newman cross but his header went just over the bar.

Newman then sent a free-kick over the bar before a Scott Sinclair free-kick brought out a good save from Cameron Quate.

Quate was then again quickly called into action as he managed to tip a close range effort from Cunningham over the bar.

The deadlock was finally broken with 28 minutes gone when Scott Walker fired home an angled shot on his debut.

Nine minutes from the interval Lucas Berry sent a shot over the bar, while the hosts’ Ben Marshall dragged a shot wide of the post in a rare home attack. Then on the stroke of half time a Walker free-kick was held by Quate.

After a succession of subs by both sides just short of the hour, Cowden grabbed a second goal when one of the replacements, Dan Watt, was brought down in the box by Alex Ainslie.

Cunningham made no mistake from the spot sending the ‘keeper the wrong way.

With 13 minutes remaining Iain Davidson got his first Cowden goal when he headed home, from a Struthers corner, and two minutes later it was 4-0 when Stuart Love sent the ball into the path of Newman to slot home.

Uni had a chance to pull a goal back in 82 minutes, in a rare attack, when Matthew Dick saw his shot held by Farrell and a minute later Cowden completed the scoring for the afternoon when Dan Watt fired in from six yards.