Premier Sports League Cup: Matchday Two Review
Alloa Athletic, FC Edinburgh and Montrose joined the other seven League One clubs in competitive action on Tuesday night as the group stages continued…
Falkirk pull off shock cup upset as they stun Hibernian
Aidan Nesbitt’s 39th minute header proved to be enough as Falkirk pulled off an outstanding result against last season’s finalists Hibernian at the Falkirk Stadium, with Christian Doidge’s effort in the final seconds for the visitors cleared off the line.
The victory for the home side gives new manager John McGlynn his first three points as boss and sees the Bairns rocket to the top of Group D on five points, two in front of the Hibees.
McGlynn’s men don’t return to competitive action until next Wednesday evening against Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic at New Dundas Park.
Falkirk manager, John McGlynn: “Tonight the boys came out and played a great game, absolutely fantastic, we played the ball really well, we tried to go forward at every opportunity we could and we were in control.”
Hibernian manager, Lee Johnson: “It was mediocre at best and that’s not good enough. We lost the game in the first-half, which was an appalling display in my eyes. On the whole, I’m disappointed because I want to win every game of football, but I’m comfortable with where we are.”
Diamonds booed off the pitch as FC Edinburgh claim bonus point
Airdrieonians missed a second-half penalty as FC Edinburgh won the penalty shootout 4-2 to claim the bonus point at the Excelsior Stadium.
John Robertson had the Citizens ahead in the 20th minute before Justin Devenny equalised for the Diamonds six minutes later, in what was his second goal for the club since signing a permanent contract this summer from Kilmarnock.
The home side failed to captialise on a chance to go ahead in the 53rd minute after Gabriel McGill’s penalty-kick hit the post.
As penalties were taken to decide the bonus point, both Adam Frizzell and player-manager McCabe missed their spot-kicks with goalscorer Robertson, Docherty, Shanley and Handling all converting for the visitors.
The Diamonds take a break from competitive action this weekend, with their next match against Premiership side St. Mirren at home on Wednesday, while FC Edinburgh welcome Arbroath this Saturday in what will be their first match back at the Meadowbank Stadium.
Courtesy of Arbroath’s 3-0 victory over Cowdenbeath, McCabe’s men now find themselves second on four points with the Citizens two points behind in third, having played a game less.
Airdrieonians player-manager, Rhys McCabe: “I think the thing for me was that in the second-half we dominated the game, it was clear to see and what we have been trying to preach since pre-season is getting the mentality right and being ruthless in front of goal.”
FC Edinburgh manager, Alan Maybury: “Coming into the game we thought that it would be good to put our marker down and see where we are at. I felt in the first 15-20 minutes we were still finding our way, but as the half grew we looked a threat on the break and got a good goal.”
Clyde start new chapter with narrow defeat to Bonnyrigg Rose
Clyde started a new era in the club’s history on Wednesday evening with a 2-1 defeat to Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic at New Douglas Park, in what was also the Rose’s first competitive match as a SPFL club.
McGachie had the visitors ahead in the 20th minute before Hall doubled their advantage eight minutes later. Cunningham pulled a goal back for the Bully Wee on the stroke of half-time.
The defeat for Danny Lennon’s men sees the now Hamilton-based club bottom of Group D with two games played and will seek to get their first points on the board on Saturday when they welcome Greenock Morton to South Lanarkshire.
Clyde manager, Danny Lennon: “First and foremost we are disappointed with the result and not being able to take anything from Bonnyrigg and we knew the challenges that were presented within us and their players [Bonnyrigg] played very well and to their strengths, but it was something we thought we could break down. As much as the result hurts us, I’ve also got to be mindful that within the game I saw many good things that I was pleased about.”
Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic manager, Robbie Horn: “I thought it was a great performance in the first-half and we could’ve got ourselves further in front as we had another couple of good opportunities. Second-half we re-grouped and I thought we worked incredibly hard and had a good shape throughout the game.”
In the rest of the group matches, Montrose got off to a winning start with a 4-2 win over Highland League side Fraserburgh at Bellslea Park, while Alloa Athletic won 6-5 on penalties to gain the bonus point after a 1-1 draw against East Fife at the Indodrill Stadium. In Group C, Dunfermline Athletic maintained their 100% record with a resounding 5-0 victory over Buckie Thistle at East End Park. Meanwhile at Somerset Park, Queen of the South bounced back from Saturday’s defeat with a 3-0 victory over Ayr United and in Wednesday’s other match, Peterhead suffered a 6-0 defeat to Raith Rovers at Stark’s Park.