Premier Sports League Cup: Matchday Three Review
Eight League One clubs were in action this weekend as the Group Stages reached the halfway point. Let’s look at three things we learned…
Linn at the double as FC Edinburgh mark stadium opening with defeat
Bobby Linn struck a brace in the second-half as FC Edinburgh suffered defeat in their first match back at the Meadowbank Stadium as Arbroath ran out 3-1 winners.
Callum Crane gave the Citizens their dream start with the opening goal in the 24th minute before Nicky Low pulled the game level with a penalty-kick six minutes from the interval.
The match remained one each for the majority of the second-half until Linn made it two for the Red Litchies with 15 minutes remaining before adding a late third in the closing stages.
The defeat has Alan Maybury’s side fourth in Group E on two points and will be seeking to make it second-time lucky and earn their first win at their new home when they welcome Cowdenbeath on Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, progression to the last 16 is all but assured for the team who finished second in last season’s Championship as they top the table with nine points after three games.
FC Edinburgh manager, Alan Maybury: “I think for large parts of the first-half we played well, we passed the ball well, we probably could’ve played into the central areas a bit more, but when we did that, we looked good. In the second-half, we ran out of steam against what is a top Championship team and what is the marker for us as a part-time team.”
Arbroath assistant manager, Ian Campbell: “It was always going to be a hard game. In the first-half, they got their goal against the run of play. In the second-half, we got the ball down and worked hard. I thought it was a first-class performance. I feel we are getting there in where we want to be at. I am disappointed we lost a goal, but I don’t think we can be too unhappy.”
Queen of the South gain bonus point as St. Johnstone’s poor start continues
Premiership side St. Johnstone’s poor start to their 2022/23 League Cup campaign continued as they lost the bonus point penalty shootout against Queen of the South at Palmerston Park.
Lee Connelly was first to put his name on the scoresheet for the home side as he opened the deadlock in the 12th minute before Jamie Murphy equalised for the Saints four minutes after the interval.
Willie Gibson’s men then reclaimed their one-goal advantage with Ruari Paton’s strike just after the hour mark with Murphy pulling a goal back for the visitors six minutes from time to force the match to penalties.
Both Davidson and Kucheriavyi missed their spot-kicks for the Saints with Wilson, McKay, Todd and McGrory all hitting the target for Queen’s to claim the bonus point.
The Doonhammers are second in Group F on five points ahead of their final match away to Elgin City next Saturday, while Callum Davidson’s winless 2020-21 League Cup winners are fourth on two points.
Queen of the South player-manager, Willie Gibson: “Mixed feelings to be honest, getting the draw and bonus point against a SPL side is the positive, but the downside is I thought we could’ve got the game wrapped up and won all three points which would’ve left us in a better position to qualify, but that’s just me being picky.”
St. Johnstone manager, Callum Davidson: “I think the first 45 we were really poor and our performance levels were way off it. We have individuals who are fighting for a place in the team and I didn’t see any of it today. It’s important that we give supporters something to cheer about but also get players ready for the start of the season.”
Ross County edge past Dunfermline to end Pars 100% unbeaten record
Jordy Hiwula’s 64th minute goal proved to be the difference as Ross County edged past Dunfermline Athletic by a single goal in Dingwall.
The narrow defeat for James McPake’s Pars sees their 100% record come to an end, however, they remain at the top of Group C after three games, albeit both the Staggies and Alloa Athletic are a point behind having played a game less. Next up for the Fife club is their final match of the group at home against Alloa next Saturday.
Ross County manager, Malky Mackay: “Delighted to get the three points, delighted to get the league in our hands again and a clean sheet as well. In the first 20-25 minutes, I thought we moved the ball really well and probably played a little bit safe as the half went on. In the second-half we were a bit more riskier on the ball, looked a threat and saw the game out well.”
Dunfermline Athletic manager, James McPake: “Really disappointed that we came away from the game with nothing, the players were excellent and even with the changes, it didn’t disrupt the flow of the game. Good luck to Ross County as they were ruthless, but overall the players have worked really hard. No disrespect to other teams, but this was always going to be our biggest test and there are a lot of positives to take.”
Peterhead remain at the bottom of Group A after a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Dumbarton at Balmoor. The same can also be said of League One ‘new boys’ Kelty Hearts who also lost out by two goals to Albion Rovers in Group G. Meanwhile at New Douglas Park, Clyde earned their first three points in Hamilton with a 2-0 victory over Greenock Morton. Elsewhere, Premiership side Kilmarnock put three past Montrose at Links Park and Alloa Athletic cruised to a 4-1 win over Buckie Thistle.