Third-tier Alloa qualify in Premier Sports Cup

After winning their groups, Third-tier Alloa Athletic, along with Premiership rivals Falkirk and Kilmarnock, and championship duo Partick Thistle and St Johnstone, made it to the last 16 of the Premier Sports Cup.

With a late winner, Alloa defeated Championship rival Airdrieonians at the top of Group C by coming from behind to win 3-2.

Along with Livingston and Greenock Morton, The Diamonds were also unable to be one of the three best runners-up due to their defeat.

At home to fourth-placed Spartans, goals from midfielders Dylan Tait and Scott Arfield gave Falkirk the lead.

After the break, full-back Calvin Miller recorded a comfortable 4-0 victory.

Thistle won their group game 3-1 defeat of championship rivals Ross County thanks to goals from Robbie Crawford, Logan Chalmers, and Ben Stanway.

The hosts responded with Jordan White late in the match, but despite finishing as runners-up, they fell short of the last 16.

Alloa took a half-time lead in Airdrie before Aidan Wilson and Euan Henderson scored the winning penalty.

With one minute left, Steven Buchanan fired the visitors’ winner, which would have allowed both teams to advance to the last 16.

Third-tier visitors Montrose were beaten 5-0 by Premiership side Dundee to end a disappointing group campaign.

Dunfermline wanted a significant win to increase their goal difference and secure second place since Heart of Midlothian had already qualified as group winners.

With 15 minutes left, they struggled to break down fourth-tier visitors Stirling Albion, but Andrew Tod broke the deadlock and Rory MacLeod scored a stoppage-time winner, deciding whether St Mirren or Ayr had a chance of finishing fourth in the last 16.

St Johnstone blew League 2 visitors Elgin City 8-0 before Reghan Tumilty’s third-minute opener and a red card for visiting goalkeeper Tom Ritchie.

The other goals were scored by Makenzie Kirk and Jamie Gullan, along with fellow striker Uche Ikpeazu and midfielders Sam Stanton and Sven Sprangler.

The afternoon’s opener had a chance to win the group, but Raith Rovers, who are Championship opponents, defeated Inverness Caledonian With a hat-trick.

Morton and Clyde met in Greenock to decide the runners-up spot, with Motherwell already qualified as group winners.

The Championship won its first game without a goal in 90 minutes thanks to goals from Kerr Robertson, Tomi Adeloye, and Jackson Longridge.

With a 4-0 defeat over League 2 champions East Fife, three teams had a chance to top Group H on the opening day, but Kilmarnock won.

Marcus Dackers and Djenairo Daniels, both summer strikers, scored with crosses from Jamie Brandan before the 18-year-old wing-back Ben Brannan put a pair of excellent finishings to end the visitors’ hopes of progress.

With a 6-0 defeat of Kelty Hearts, Premiership rival Livingston’s 6-0 victory made them one of the best runners-up.