Hearts Colts 3, Cowdenbeath 1.

Tunnocks Caramel Wafer Cup-

Attendance-326

COWDEN'S Challenge Cup campaign ended at Linlithgow last night as the Hearts youngsters took advantage of Blues skipper David Cox being sent-off to ease through to the third round.

Manager Gary Bollan made several changes from Saturday's winning line-up with Euan Valentine being recalled to the defence with Harvey Swann going into midfield, and Fraser Mullen returning at right-back.

Hearts had dangerous strikers Dario Zanatta and Aiden Keena in their attack but in the early stages nether side really threatened.

Hearts started to see more of the ball and Kevin Dabrowski was called upon to make a couple of good stops.

At the other end Kris Renton and Cox both tested 'home' 'keeper Smith, then Cowden were dealt a blow when Swann had to be subbed.

No goals at the break but the game came to live after the interval when Hearts were awarded a penalty but great goalkeeping from Dabrowski denied Keena but in 71 minutes the Maroons took the lead when BAUR headed the opener after some Jambos' pressure.

Two minutes later Cowdenbeath were down to ten when Cox picked up a second yellow and was ordered off and in 80 minutes KEENA doubled the home advantage.

When ZANATTA added a third two minutes later it was game over but Cowdenbeath sub Craig BARR pulled a goal back for some consolation for Cowden three minutes from time.

Hearts: Storie; Logan, Baur; Hamilton, Petkov, Burns; Ritchie (Smith 85), Cochrane, Keena (Currie 85), McDonald, Zanatta.

Cowdenbeath: Dabrowski; Mullen, Valentine; Todd, Pyper, Miller (Barr 78); Cox, Swann (Sheerin 41), Buchanan, Thomas, Renton.

Referee-Lloyd Wilson.