Competitive action kicked off around the country over the weekend. The League Cup group stage openers threw up some shock results and pointed out places where some teams could improve.
Others performed brilliantly and showed they’re ready for the season ahead. Here’s our roundup of the weekend’s action.
Plenty of teams kicked off their competitive seasons. (photo by David Young/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Group A-D
Hearts and Dundee United got the ball rolling on Friday night with their Group A opener. United took the lead through a debut Lawrence Shankland strike before Andy Irving levelled for the Jambos.
Irving was later sent off, but Craig Levein’s side held on for a 1-1 draw, winning 5-3 on penalties. Elsewhere in the group, Cowdenbeath breezed past East Fife 2-0.
Ross County went to the top of Group B with a 4-1 win over Montrose. Forfar are in second following a comfortable 3-0 win over Brechin City.
The Staggies breezed past Montrose in League Cup group stage action. (Photo by David Young/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Hibs suffered a shock 1-1 draw at Forthbank against Stirling Albion. They went in front via a Scott Allan penalty just before the first half came to a halt.
The Binos matched the Hibees throughout this match, and earned their point. They were eventually beaten on penalties 5-4. It gave Arbroath the chance to top Group C, who came from behind to beat Elgin City 2-1.
In Group D, Dundee swept Raith Rovers aside with a 3-0 win. In the other group match, Paul Hartley lost his first game as Cove Rangers manager. They were defeated 2-1 by Peterhead.
Group E-G
Motherwell went top of Group E with an excellent 3-0 win over Queen of the South. Elsewhere in the group, Dumbarton beat Annan Athletic 1-0.
Sherwin Seedorf scored his first Well goal at Palmerston. (Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)
Another shock result, this time it was Hamilton who dropped points to lower league opposition. The Premiership side drew with League Two Queen’s Park at home, eventually losing a penalty shootout 6-5. Partick Thistle beat Airdrieonians 1-0 to top Group F.
Livingston drew with League One Falkirk, winning the shootout 4-3 at the Falkirk stadium. Ayr United put Lowland League Berwick Rangers to the sword, punishing them 7-0. The Honest men were leading by five at half time, who now top Group E.
Jim Goodwin’s time as St Mirren boss got off to the worst possible start in Group H. They were down 3-0 at half time to Championship side Dunfermline, with the final score eventually finishing 3-2 in the Par’s favour. Albion Rovers beat East Kilbride 1-0 in the other group match.