Hearts hammer Cowdenbeath

Hearts turned on the style to batter 10-man Cowdenbeath 5-0 and keep their hopes of topping Group C alive.

Goals from Steven MacLean, Uche Ikpeazu, Peter Haring, Steven Naismith and Michael Smith secured a much-needed victory for Craig Levein's side, albeit the game was massively altered by the red card shown to Martin Scott after just 32 minutes.

The margin of victory means Hearts, who had ground to make up after being docked two points for fielding the ineligible Andy Irving against Cove Rangers last week, will usurp leaders Inverness with a win at Tynecastle on Sunday.

This was the first outing on Hearts' new £1 million hybrid turf at Tynecastle which was laid over the summer and, while the surface was pristine, the action was somewhat underwhelming, barring hopeful efforts off target courtesy of Christophe Berra and Kyle Lafferty.

Cowdenbeath's hopes of maintaining their laudable resistance were dealt a heft blow as half-time approached, with referee Barry Cook showing former Hibs midfielder Scott a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Berra.

A quick-fire double-save from David McGurn was then required to deny Michael Smith and Peter Haring as the Jambos sought to make their advantage count.

However, the visitors' brave defensive effort proved fruitless as Hearts claimed the lead just three minutes after the restart, with MacLean stooping to convert a magnificent Ben Garuccio delivery for his second goal since joining Hearts.

Ikpeazu climbed from the bench to open his account for the Jambos, firing home a ferocious left-footed drive from the edge of the box to effectively end the game as a contest.

Hearts rubbed salt into the wounds as the part-timers tired, with Haring rising highest to power home a clinical header before Steven Naismith found the net from the penalty spot after Anthony McDonald had been felled by David Marsh.

Smith completed the rout following fine work on the flank by Jake Mulraney.

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