Motherwell into next round with comfortable Stranraer triumph
Motherwell cruised into the next round of the Betfred Cup with a convincing 3-0 over Stranraer.
Second-half goals from Chris Cadden, Marvin Johnson and Scott McDonald were enough to secure the Scottish Premiership club's place in the next round of the competition.
The visitors dominated much of the early play, controlling possession and creating a number of early chances, but it was Stranraer who had the best opportunities in the opening exchanges.
Scott Agnew saw a 20-yard shot go just wide of the post for the hosts while another effort from distance, this time from Ryan Thomson, also just failed to hit the target.
Motherwell responded with a good run from McDonald which led to home goalkeeper Cameron Belford being forced into a reflex save to his right.
Belford was back in action soon after when Lionel Ainsworth took advantage of some poor Stranraer defending to burst into the box, but his shot was straight at the 'keeper.
Johnson and Cadden continued to threaten for Well, but it was not enough to break the deadlock before the interval.
However, five minutes into the second half the top-flight side managed to open the scoring when Cadden's excellent strike flew past Belford.
Dominant Motherwell quickly looked to increase their lead and Ainsworth and Johnson both created good chances, only for Belford to save well once again.
Stranraer produced very little going forward in the second half, creating only a few half-chances, and it seemed only a matter of time before Motherwell increased their lead with Johnson and McDonald looking dangerous on several occasions.
The visitors finally managed to put further daylight between the teams seven minutes from time, when Cadden broke through the Stranraer defence and cut the ball back to Johnson who slotted the ball into the bottom right-hand corner to make it 2-0.
And two minutes later Motherwell wrapped up the spoils when Johnson turned provider and crossed for McDonald to head home.
Source : PA
Source: PA