Lachie Rose took his Dundee United tally to three goals since joining earlier this summer
Dundee United gave themselves a good chance of reaching the last 16 of the League Cup after seeing off League 2 Spartans 4-0 at Tannadice.
Jim Goodwin's side needed to win heavily after losing to League 1 Montrose, who only need to avoid defeat against Stirling Albion on Saturday to win the section.
And the Premiership side did that, a double from Lachie Rose added to by goals by Dylan Tait and Zac Sapsford, meaning they end their group campaign with nine points and a plus seven goal difference.
That record has United top for now, but would also leave them well-placed to progress as one of the three best group runners-up, should Montrose usurp them.
One other matter of note on a positive night for United was a debut for 15-year-old Lorenzo Sassetti, who came on after 85 minutes to become the club's youngest ever player.
