First Division Alloa edged out their Second Division opponents Cowdenbeath to move into the fourth round of the Tennents Scottish Cup.

After an exciting but goalless opening period at Central Park Alloa brought on veteran striker Scott Crabbe at the interval and it proved a master-stroke.

The 34-year-old opened the scoring in the 53rd minute and although Cowdenbeath hit back through loan-signing Derek Riordan five minutes later, Crabbe struck again in the 74th minute, just two minutes after a stunning strike from Stevie Thompson.

Cowdenbeath staged a late fightback and Kevin Gordon gave them hope with an 80th-minute goal, but there was no way back.

Cowdenbeath: Graham, Renwick, White, Wilson, Andrew Campbell, Mauchlen, Winter, Gordon, Hilland, Riordan, Graeme Brown. Subs: Byle, Fusco, Ian McDonald, Buchanan, O'Connor.

Alloa: Hogarth, Valentine, Watson, Thomson, Walker, Christie, Derek Ferguson, Little, Seaton, Davidson, Hutchison. Subs: Gareth Evans, Crabbe, Hamilton, Cowan, James Evans.

Referee: C Thomson

Match report will appear later.