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Craig Halkett scored on his competitive Hearts debut against Cowdenbeath to help his team to all three points.

Hearts moved to the top of Group A with a 2-0 win over the Fifers, with Anthony McDonald adding to Halkett's opener in the first half.

The former Livingston captain rose highest at the front post and powered home a header from Ollie Bozanic's corner to give the visitors an early lead at Central Park.

Teenage winger McDonald doubled the lead not long after, volleying home Steven MacLean's cross to claim his first goal for the club.

Halkett partnered his new skipper Christophe Berra in the centre of the Jambos’ defence for their Betfred Cup Group A fixture.

He was an an unused substitute against Dundee United last Friday night, but replaced John Souttar in Fife.

MacLean played alongside Conor Washington attack after serving his suspension. The veteran front man was given a two-match ban after grabbing Celtic’s Eboue Kouassi during last year’s semi-final.

The visitors created three good early chances before taking the lead though Zanatta, Washington and Halkett before the latter broke the deadlock.

McDonald's goal out Hearts on easy street, and Berra probably should have made it three before half-time when he fired over from close range.

Sub Aidan Keena forced a fine late save from on-loan Hibs 'keeper Kevin Dabrowski before he denied McDonald a second, just managing to hold on after the striker tried to dink the ball over him.

Hearts have a free weekend before hosting Stenhousemuir at Tynecastle in their next match.

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