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Dunfermline Athletic are through to the quarter-finals of the Scottish League Cup after a 3-1 victory at Arbroath.

Ryan Dow opened the scoring for the Scottish Championship leaders, before Euan Murray netted his seventh goal of the season.

Dale Hilson pulled a goal back for the hosts, but Kevin O'Hara secured the win from the penalty spot.

Stevie Crawford's side will be in the draw for the last eight on Sunday.

They did have an early scare though, with Arbroath almost taking the lead through James Craigen's long-range shot, but goalkeeper Owain Fon-Williams did brilliantly to tip the ball wide.

Dunfermline seized the initiative on 27 minutes. Dow picked the ball up in the middle of the park, before bursting forward and firing a powerful 22-yard strike into the net.

They doubled their advantage nine minutes later as Arbroath failed to clear a Dom Thomas corner. The ball eventually fell to Murray, who fired home from close-range.

Arbroath cut the deficit midway through the second half, as substitute Hilson swept in at the back post.

The visitors thought they had secured qualification when O'Hara rifled the ball into the net, but he was called offside.

He did, however, get his name on the scoresheet seven minutes from time, as referee Nick Walsh awarded a penalty for a Ricky Little handball. O'Hara stepped up and dispatched the spot-kick.

They almost scored again at the death, as an angled Dow shot forced another good a good save from Derek Gaston to keep the score at 3-1.

Arbroath manager Dick Campbell: "I thought 3-1 flattered them and the penalty kick... I've been in this game 50 years and I don't know what the powers that be are doing with this game of ours. Even the Dunfermline players were shocked."

Dunfermline head coach Stevie Crawford: "We were competitive, which was pleasing after [beating] Hearts - it shows we have not got carried away. I thought it was a thorough, professional performance and we are delighted to be in the next round of the League Cup."