AIRDRIE produced a good performance but were unable to pull off another Scottish Communities League Cup shock.

A goal in each half from Ryan Dow and Jon Daly earned Dundee United a place in the quarter-finals at New Broomfield on Tuesday night.

The Diamonds had their chances, and appeared to be wrongly denied a first-half penalty, but it wasn't their night despite an encouraging display.

Boss Jimmy Boyle made three changes to the team which started the 3-1 loss at Arbroath with Chris Malone, Fraser Keast and John Boyle coming in for Paul Lovering, Nathan Blockley and Derek Holmes.

However, it was United who broke the deadlock in the 11th minute when ex-Forfar Athletic loan ace Dow converted after Stuart Armstrong's shot was spilled by keeper Paul McKane.

Tannadice defender Paul Dixon was next to test the abilities of Northern Irish custodian McKane before claims for a spot-kick at the other end against Gavin Gunning were turned down.

The home side, who knocked out First Division Raith Rovers in round two, then went on to enjoy their best spell of the game with Ryan Donnelly firing a clever pass from strike partner Boyle into the side-netting.

Four minutes later, the pair combined again with Boyle finding Donnelly. This time, his effort from the edge of the box was beaten away by keeper Dusan Pernis.

In the 41st minute, Airdrie came close again. Gary Kenneth failed to deal with a long ball forward from Sean Lynch.

Rochsoles teenager Donnelly capitalised but his finishing touch was missing and he dragged a low effort across the face of Pernis' goal.

United created the better chances in the second half as they re-established themselves as the dominant team with John Rankin driving a shot just wide.

Lauri Dalla Valle had an effort saved by McKane. The visitors then brought on ex-Diamond Gary MacKay-Steven as a substitute.

But it was another sub who helped Peter Houston's outfit clinch victory in the 76th minute.

Daly had only been on the pitch eight minutes when he arrived at the back post to fire home a wonderful cross from Dixon.

Colin Paterson at New Broomfield.

Photographs © Robert Dalzell. Click to view full size.