Premier Sports Cup Group Stage Action Recap

Group A

Queen’s Park and Kelty Hearts both turned deficits into victories in Group A action. Queen’s Park fell behind after a Sam Nixon header for Brora Rangers, but Aidan Connolly, Michael Ruth and Nikolay Todorov replied to secure a comfortable win in Aberdeen. Kelty earned a bonus point after a draw with Queen of the South, progressing on penalties following Ross Cunningham’s early goal and new player‑manager Nicky Clark’s equaliser.

• Scorers: Sam Nixon (Brora), Aidan Connolly (Queen’s Park), Michael Ruth (Queen’s Park), Nikolay Todorov (Queen’s Park)
• Kelty Hearts: Ross Cunningham (28 min), Nicky Clark equaliser (31 min), progressed via penalty shoot‑out

Group B

Two higher‑tier sides survived late scares to clinch Group B wins. Dundee United, under new boss Steven Whittaker, required a Zac Sapsford penalty after he was fouled by teenage debutant Cohen Leiper’s cross. Arbroath twice reclaimed the lead against Spartans, with Andy Winter’s long‑range strike and Ryan Flynn’s late finish sealing the victory.

• Dundee United: Zac Sapsford penalty winner (84 min)
• Arbroath: Andy Winter (66 min), Bradley Whyte equaliser (70 min), Ryan Flynn (85 min) final winner

Group C

St Mirren began their title defence with a 4‑0 demolition of Dumbarton. Samuel Ramos opened with a near‑post finish, then midfield debutant Chris Mochrie robbed the keeper to double the lead before Ramos completed his brace and Thomas Falconer chipped the empty net. East Kilbride upset Dunfermline Athletic, with substitute Lewis McGrattan’s curled drive and quick finishes from Finlay Gray and Cameron Elliott after Shay Kelly’s long clearances.

• St Mirren scorers: Samuel Ramos (2), Chris Mochrie, Thomas Falconer
• East Kilbride scorers: Lewis McGrattan (24 min), Finlay Gray, Cameron Elliott

Group D

Dundee twice came from behind to edge past Airdrieonians and secure top spot in the section. Kian Taylor’s effort off the post and home keeper Harry Sharp rattled home for the visitors, but Charlie Reilly, Sam Fisher and Ethan Hamilton each restored parity before Joe Bevan and Ashley Hay closed out the win. Ross County dominated Annan Athletic 4‑1, with Brian Graham’s penalty and second, an own‑goal from Aaron Muirhead, Connor Randall’s strike and a late consolation from Aidan Smith.

• Dundee: Kian Taylor (11 min), Charlie Reilly (35 min), Sam Fisher (45+2 min), Ethan Hamilton (50 min), Joe Bevan (70 min), Ashley Hay (80 min)
• Ross County: Brian Graham (pen 12 min, 48 min), own‑goal Aaron Muirhead (55 min), Connor Randall (70 min), Aidan Smith (90+3 min)

Group E

Partick Thistle produced a 6‑0 rout of Brechin City, with Gary Mackay‑Steven starring on the wing. He opened after seven minutes, Oisin Smyth added a penalty, and Mackay‑Steven struck again from a corner. Aidan Fitzpatrick, Seb Drozd and Euan Henderson completed the haul. Stenhousemuir broke through Forfar Athletic after 66 minutes, Lewis Hodgkiss converting first, then Matthew Aitken added a second on the break.

• Partick Thistle scorers: Gary Mackay‑Steven (7 min, 30 min), Oisin Smyth (18 min), Aidan Fitzpatrick (58 min), Seb Drozd (70 min), Euan Henderson (80 min)
• Stenhousemuir scorers: Lewis Hodgkiss (66 min), Matthew Aitken (68 min)

Group F

Linlithgow Rose, promoted from the Lowland League, stunned Greenock Morton at Cappielow with a 1‑0 victory. Calum Rae’s break‑away strike in the 58th minute proved decisive. Inverness Caledonian Thistle earned a bonus point after a dramatic draw with East Fife, Adam Mackinnon’s equaliser forcing penalties that Caley Thistle won 5‑3.

• Linlithgow Rose: Calum Rae (58 min)
• Inverness CT vs East Fife: Myles Gaffney (33 min), Adam Mackinnon (90+3 min), pen‑shootout 5‑3

Group G

Falkirk’s opening day was a landslide win over fourth‑tier Edinburgh. Ross MacIver scored a hat‑trick, including the first goal of the new season, while Ben Parkinson and Connor Allan added further strikes. Ayr had to twice recover from deficits to beat Stranraer, with James Dolan’s penalty and Archie Traynor’s goal cancelled out by Ben Summers and Ross Taylor, whose double secured the win for Gary Naysmith’s debut as manager.

• Falkirk scorers: Ross MacIver (3), Ben Parkinson, Connor Allan, Ross MacIver (2 more)
• Ayr scorers: Ben Summers (55 min), Ross Taylor (70 min, 78 min)

Group H

Hamilton took three points from Peterhead in Kilmarnock’s group, Cian Newbury’s 33rd‑minute header proving the difference. Raith Rovers built a 2‑0 half‑time cushion thanks to a Morgyn Neill own goal and a Kai Montagu drive, and held off a late rally from Elgin City, whose Oliver Colloty reduced the deficit before Ross Millen’s close‑range finish ended the contest.

• Hamilton: Cian Newbury (33 min)
• Raith Rovers: own‑goal Morgyn Neill (18 min), Kai Montagu (38 min)
• Elgin City: Oliver Colloty (70 min), Ross Millen (85 min)

This roundup captures every goal, penalty and advancement from the opening matches of the Premier Sports Cup, highlighting the surprise results and standout performances across the eight groups.