Both St Johnstone and St Mirren were knocked out of the League Cup at the group stages last season and the Premiership duo now face a fight to qualify this term too.
Steven MacLean’s Saints were turned over by League Two Stenhousemuir thanks to a goal from former McDiarmid Park youngster Euan O’Riley as the Warriors recorded a historic victory against the 2020/21 winners. Ayr United and Stirling played out a 1-1 draw in the other fixture of group A with the Honest Men taking the bonus point after penalties.
Stephen Robinson’s Buddies also suffered a 1-0 defeat as League One outfit Montrose ran out winners in Group H with goal machine Rory McAlister finding the back of the net.
Championship newcomers Dundee United were also on the end of a shock loss as Jim Goodwin’s new-look Tannadice side crashed to defeat against Lowland League champions Spartans as Blair Henderson netted early in the contest.
Elsewhere in Group B, Partick Thistle picked up a bonus point via spot kicks as they drew 1-1 with Peterhead. Harry Milne put the visitors ahead before Hamish Ritchie equalised on the half-hour mark, but Thistle won 10-9 on penalties following their shootout heartache against Ross County at the end of last season.
In Group D, Morton defeated Kelty Hearts at New Central Park thanks to goals from Steven Boyd, Robbie Crawford and former Open Goal Broomhill man Kirk Broadfood.
David Martindale’s Livingston avoided any early slip-ups in Group C as they eased past Highland League champions Brechin City at Glebe Park. Wanted striker Joel Nouble, Sean Kelly and Cristian Montano all grabbed goals in a comfortable 3-0 victory. Hamilton also landed three points in their opening clash of Group C as they eased past Clyde to win 3-1.
In Group G, Motherwell occupy the top spot after week one following their 0-2 victory over Elgin City. Goals from Lennon Miller and Jonathan Obika gave Stuart Kettlewell’s Premiership side the victory. East Fife and Queen’s Park played out a 0-0 draw in the other contest in the group, with the home side taking the bonus point on penalties.
Derek McInnes’ Kilmarnock also got off to a strong start in the League Cup as they picked up three points against Annan Athletic. Daniel Armstrong, Fraser Murray and Innes Cameron all found the back of the net, despite their teammate Jack Sanders being flashed a red card.
Elsewhere there were wins for Airdrieonians who defeated Dumbarton 2-0 at the Excelsior Stadium, Inverness who edged past Bonnyrigg Rose in the Highlands 2-1, and Forfar who took the win against Cowdenbeath at Station Park thanks to a solitary goal from Kieran Inglis.
ENDS
