DEBUTANT striker Dylan Duncan emerged from the bench to net a double as Cowdenbeath advanced in the South Region Qualifying Cup on Saturday.

Kilsyth Rangers defended astutely at Central Park and kept the game goalless for well over an hour before the substitute made his mark.

The West of Scotland Second Division side were undone on 71 minutes before on-loan Clyde forward Duncan netted his second with five minutes left.

Cowden were short of players again through injury and suspension and the issue will not improve in the short term.

The re-shaped side did create a host of chance and should have scored more than twice in front of the 214 crowd.

Wingers Zac Butterworth and Jamie Docherty again posed loads of problems for the opposing side, although the finishing touch was missing until Duncan’s appearance from the bench.

In five minutes Butterworth’s cross was met by Docherty at the back post and his header was fisted over by ‘keeper Alex Connell, then two minutes later the Kilsyth ‘keeper made a fine save from Cieran Chalmers’ 22 yarder.

At the other end, in 12 minutes, Ben Brady made a fine run into the box and his 12 yard drive was blocked by Scott Walker, then in 17 minutes Josh Jack’s 35-yard free-kick wrong footed Connell, but slipped inches wide.

In the 25th minute Nicky Prentice brought out a fine save from home ‘keeper Josh Blair, with a raking 18-yard drive.

Cowden certainly had the bulk of play but Kilsyth defended solidly and the closest to a goal the Blues came to before the break was a Docherty drive, which Connell held on his line.

Cowdenbeath made three substitutions in the opening phase of the second period and in 55 minutes Connell made a fine save from Jack’s 22 yard free-kick.

But there was nothing the ’keeper could do to stop Cowdenbeath going ahead in 71 minutes, when sub Duncan slipped away from his marker 20 yards out, and his fierce left foot shot gave Connell no chance.

The clinching second goal came with four minutes to go when Butterworth’s cross eluded Connell and Duncan headed home from close range to ensure the home side’s place in round three of the competition.

The third round draw has provided the Blue Brazil with another home tie as they will play Whitehill Welfare on Saturday, October 14.