Edinburgh University 0, Cowdenbeath 2

DARYL Healy scored his fourth goal in three games after skipper Robbie McNab had given Calum Elliot’s side a half time lead as they stretched their unbeaten run to four games.

Although the result still left them in tenth place, they are now just four points off seventh place, which is a realistic target for the Central Park side to aim for in the run-in.

For the hosts, they still find themselves three points adrift at the foot of the table after suffering a 12th successive league and cup defeat.

For the trip to south Edinburgh, Elliot had to do without the services of Zac Butterworth, who came off the previous week in the draw with University of Stirling with a head knock, while Greg MacPherson was on the bench after taking a knock the previous week.

The first chance of the afternoon came with six minutes gone when Ewan MacPherson saw his shot saved by the legs of keeper Smith Samuel.

Then at the other end, Uni’s Will Antoniuk saw a shot turned around the post by Josh Blair at the expense of a corner. Soon after Antoniuk sent a shot across the face of goal and past the post.

The Blue Brazil eventually opened the scoring with 36 minutes when Robbie McNab got on the end of a low cross from Ewan MacPherson to slot home from close range.

The students tried to get back into the game as the first half drew to a close with Joe Aitken sending a shot wide, and Ryan Murray heading over from a Samuel Raphael cross.

Cowden had two good chances to grab a second goal early in the second half – firstly Matty McDonald sent a shot wide, then Jamie Docherty picked up on a short clearance by Smith Samuel, but sent his shot off target.

Samuel then saved from Jamie Docherty, then Andy Rodden, with a long range free kick, which was turned around the post by the keeper.

Rodden then played Daryl Healy in on goal but his shot was blocked by Smith Samuel’s legs.

The clinching second goal eventually came with seven minutes to go when sub Ciaran Chalmers sent a high ball into the box which was headed against the bar by Ewan MacPherson before Healy slotted home the rebound.

Edinburgh University: Samuel; L Murray, Cook, Shyngle, Taylor, R Murray, Dick, Antonuik, Hendry (Anderson 73), Aitken (Maskrey 70), Raphael (Garrad 70). Subs not used – McGinley, Gallagher and McLean.

Cowdenbeath: Blair; Berry (G MacPherson 46), Rodden (Tait 89), McNab, Donald, Jordan, E MacPherson (Turner 89), McLaughlin (Chalmers 67), Healy, McDonald (MacDonald 67), Docherty. Sub not used – Hepburn.

Referee: George Calder.

Attendance: 100.