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The Premier Sports Cup group stage provided drama, goals and shock exits as Premiership sides St. Johnstone and Falkirk crashed out. The round of 16 was no different, with three games having five or more goals, whilst more top flight outfits exited early.

Kilmarnock vs Ayr United 3-2

Kilmarnock earned the Ayrshire Derby bragging rights, coming from 2-1 down against their rivals to secure a place in the quarter-final.

The scoring was opened just five minutes in as Owen Stirton scored a wonderful goal, getting on the end of a cross in the six-yard box and volleying, with his shot too strong for Max Stryjek to stop. Ayr would have the better chances for the rest of the half as they fired just wide of the post on a couple of occasions, before Kilmarnock found an equaliser courtesy of a Joe Hughill goal, taking a touch onto his right foot in the middle of the box before firing into the bottom right corner to end the half.

Ayr restored their one-goal advantage just three minutes into the second half, as Ross Taylor scored a peach of a goal from just outside of the box to send the away end into pandemonium. They held their lead for 30 more minutes, but it would not last. Harry Stone produced a stunning fingertip save to deny Tom Lowery from the edge of the box, before Michael Schjonning-Larsen responded with an equally impressive finish, drawing the game level. Nicky Clescenco would be Kilmarnock’s hero, as he stepped up in the 89th minute to dink the ball into the net from 10 yards away, with Stone dropping the ball in the box from what should have been a routine catch. Killie held on and secured the win, winning the derby and a place in the last eight.

They sit rock bottom of the Premiership table following a heavy loss to Celtic, yet Kilmarnock will be delighted with this win. Hard-fought, coming from behind twice to win the game, they showed incredible resilience. The defensive aspect wasn’t too pretty, as Ayr were allowed many chances throughout the match, particularly in the first half, and Killie may have been lucky to not concede more. Take nothing away from the win though, they have earned the bragging rights until the next Ayrshire Derby.

Ayr United came into this game unbeaten in both League Cup and Championship matches, drawing only one against Dunfermline in the Championship. They started strongly, creating the majority of the chances in the first half, as well as coming close a couple of times in the second. They exploited Kilmarnock’s poor defensive structure and often found themselves with lots of space to work with. Hearts loanee Stone produced some big saves to keep them ahead, although ultimately gifted Kilmarnock their winning goal. Whilst obviously not the result they wanted, it was a quality performance against Premiership opposition.
POTM: Tom Lowery. Provided an assist and was creating all over the park.

Aberdeen 3-0 Dundee

Following last week’s encounter between Aberdeen and Dundee, few would’ve expected the Dons to win this fixture resoundingly. Yet that they did, as Kevin Nisbet bagged a brace to bounce back from last week’s loss.

No goals were scored in the first half, although Aberdeen looked the sharper of the two sides. Dundee were dealt a huge blow 30 minutes in as Simon Murray was stretchered off the park with an apparent knee injury. Both had chances in the half as Aberdeen’s Toyosi Olusanya and Dundee’s Joe Bevan fired shots straight at the keepers. Joe Westley headed just wide of the Aberdeen net to leave it all square going into half-time.

Aberdeen dominated the second half, as Kevin Nisbet found the net 50 minutes in as he pounced on a loose ball to break the deadlock from a couple of yards out. Their lead was doubled five minutes later as Michy Ntelo netted on debut, firing into the top left corner of the goal. Aberdeen were in cruise control and Nisbet got his brace another five minutes later. The ball was played across the box and Dundee could not clear it, letting it trickle to the penalty spot where Nisbet pounced and fired his shot into the roof of the net. This brace took his tally in the competition to eight, leaving him as the top scorer. Dundee came close to scoring as Ryan Finnigan saw his shot saved by Marius Muller before Ethan Hamilton’s shot floated just over the top left corner.

A massive turnaround from last week’s result against the same team, Aberdeen thoroughly deserved that win. Kevin Nisbet was in the right spots at the right time and has added two goals to his already impressive League Cup tally for the season. That’s now ten goals in eight games in all competitions this season. Last week, they looked lacklustre; there was no creativity and they were picked apart by a brilliant Dundee team. This week it was their turn to be picked apart, with a solid performance setting them up nicely to face Rangers in two weeks’ time.

On the other hand, Dundee looked very poor compared to last week. Their defending for both of Nisbet’s goals was awful, and they allowed Ntelo far too much space to get his shot off. They were unlucky not to score with a couple of chances, yet they did not really trouble Muller. The loss of Simon Murray will be huge for the team as he looks set to be out for a long time. Overall, a different Dundee side to the one we saw last week and not for the better.

POTM: Kevin Nisbet. Found the net twice, carrying on his fine form from the group stage.

Dunfermline 1-2 Ross County

Ross County produced a shock win over last season’s Scottish Cup finalists Dunfermline, progressing to the quarter-finals for the first time in three years.

County started the much better team, testing Dunfermline’s AstonOxborough three times in the first six minutes. Jamie Lindsay came close in the 30th minute as he pounced on a
loose ball in the box, calling Oxborough into action once again. The best chance of the half came for Andrew Tod as he nutmegged the County defender to find himself with a great opportunity on the edge of the box. His shot was not as good as the nutmeg, leaving Brad Foster with a simple save before Oli Shaw hit the rebound wide of the open goal.

It was Lindsay who opened the scoring for County, firing his header into the net from the six-yard line in the 58th minute. Following an even 20 minutes, Dunfermline would find their way back into the game with a great move resulting in Allan Oyirwoth finding himself totally free at the back post, slotting home to level the score. Andrew Tod again came close, heading just wide as he also found himself completely free in the Ross County box. The game was won by Richard Chin in style, hitting a half-volley from the edge of the box into the top right corner to send the League One through to the next round.

The first of two underdog wins this weekend, Ross County thoroughly deserved it. They started the game the better side and whilst they were on the back foot for large parts of the game, they stayed strong and held on for the win. Jamie Lindsay was a constant threat who gave the Pars a lot of trouble. Their defending was rather flawed in a great performance, allowing Dunfermline players too much space in the box, which they perhaps should’ve capitalised more on. That takes nothing away from the win and they now look to add to their perfect two-for-two wins in League One.

Last season’s Scottish Cup finalists had chances that they did not capitalise on. The loss will be a tough one to take as they missed chances you would’ve perhaps bet on them scoring. The overall performance was not terrible as they defended well bar Lindsay’s goal and again created chances. Neverthelss, they did not show enough fight and they paid the price.

Neil Lennon’s men have endured a lacklustre start in the league as well, having drawn their opening two games and now face a trip across the Forth to take on Livingston.

POTM: Jamie Lindsay. Opened the scoring and provided a constant threat throughout.

Dundee United 0-4 Celtic

Last season’s finalists Celtic cruised through to the quarter-finals, handing Dundee United their second 4-0 loss in less than a week.

United started the better side, with both Julius Eskesen and Emmanuel Agyei rattling the left post to give Celtic a couple of scares. Celtic responded with a goal in the 22nd minute, as Auston Trusty flicked on a header at the near post to open the scoring. Camilo Duran scored his first goal for the club two minutes later, as the ball fell to him on the edge of the six-yard box. There is controversy around this goal as the ball hits Kasper Høgh’s hand just before Duran scores; however VAR ruled that it was not a deliberate handball. An undeliberate handball is only ruled out if it comes from the player who scores.

The second half started with Dundee United once again hitting the woodwork, as Zac Sapsford saw his effort from the edge of the box rattle off the crossbar. Sebastian Tounekti scored his first of the season to effectively seal the win for Celtic, cutting in from the left wing and firing into the bottom left corner just inside the box. Benjamin Nygren added a fourth, sealing Celtic’s place in the quarter-finals in the 62nd minute.

A somewhat routine win for Celtic; they took their chances and won comfortably. Duran is now off the mark for Celtic, as well as Benjamin Nygren adding to the two goals he has scored in the league. They were clinical, taking their chances well and constantly threatening the United goal. A solid Celtic performance that sees them through to the next round, where they will face Rangers at Ibrox.

Having started the league season well with a draw against Rangers, perhaps a game they should have won, their following two results have been bitterly disappointing. It was always going to be hard playing last season’s top three in your opening three matches, but the performance against Hearts and parts of the showing against Celtic were very poor. They did have a good few chances this game, as they hit the woodwork five times throughout. Yet the defending for Trusty’s goal was laughable as the American found himself quite free at the front post, allowing him to head home. Whilst they showed promise and were very unlucky not to score, two 4-0 losses in a row indicate much work needs to be done.

POTM: Benjamin Nygren. Ran the show once again, brilliant assist for Trusty’s goal and scored a cracker himself.

Hearts 6-2 Inverness

Hearts netted four goals in 14 minutes to come back from 2-1 down and beat Inverness Caley Thistle, securing their place in the League Cup quarter-finals.

Inverness shocked the crowd as they took the lead just three minutes in, but the away fans’ jubilation was short-lived as it was ruled out for offside. Hearts took the lead 16 minutes in courtesy of Christian Borchgrevink’s header that looped over Ross Munro, giving the Norwegian his first goal in maroon. Sabah Kerjota missed a golden chance to double the advantage as he rattled the crossbar from six yards out following some lovely play by Amadou Ba-Sy.

It was goals galore in the second half, as Caley Thistle equalised emphatically through a counter-attack, as Ryan Duncan plucked a ball down and volleyed past Beau Reus. Their lead was soon doubled by Alfie Bavidge, again through a brilliant counter-attack, as he rounded Reus to put his team 2-1 up and send the away end into raptures.

Inverness’ jubilation was again cut short, however, with Hearts’ new boy Rogers Mato heading home to level the score. The flurry of goals that followed would cement Hearts’ place in the next round, as Calvin Miller scored a penalty to give the Jambos a 3-2 lead, after Kerjota was brought down in the box. Youngster James Wilson was the next to get on the scoresheet, heading into the net from two yards out following a fumbled save by Inverness’ Munro. Josh McPake thought he had scored Hearts’ fifth as he got on the end of a through ball to slot it past Munro; he was however, ruled offside. Claudio Braga fired into the top corner from the edge of the box in the first minute of added time to eventually make it five, before Miller secured a brace in the 94th minute courtesy of a brilliant assist from McPake to win the game in style.

That was a performance reminiscent of the Hearts we saw last season. Following a very disappointing loss in their opening game to Aberdeen, they have responded fantastically, scoring ten goals in two games. Having gone down 2-1 in such quick succession, they did not let their heads drop and instantly responded by scoring an equaliser of their own just three minutes later. Their four goals (with another disallowed) in 14 minutes were ruthless, displaying their attacking prowess and showing they have many options such as McPake, Braga, Miller, even Wilson off the bench.

They now turn their attention to Rapid Vienna, against whom they play on Thursday night away from home in the first leg of their Conference League Playoff.

Last season’s League One champions put up a resilient performance but were ultimately outclassed by their Premiership counterparts. There goals were classic counterattacks that displayed great awareness from Daniel Devine and Alfie Stewart, who both provided great assists. Their defending for some of Hearts’ strikers was poor, however, as Kerjota was brought down very clumsily for the penalty, winger Mato beat two defenders in the air, and Wilson was allowed all the time in the world to run forward and head home with no competition.

Anyhow, a resilient performance that the fans should be proud of; they held on very well till the floodgates opened for Hearts in the 82nd minute.

POTM: Calvin Miller. Two goals to seal the win for Hearts and created chances all throughout.

Hibernian 1-0 Partick Thistle

Hibernian are through after a close affair with Partick Thistle, with Owen Elding’s 12th-minute goal separating the two sides.

The first 30 minutes was all Hibs, as the Edinburgh side came close within the first few minutes. Soon after, the deadlock was broken by Elding, who arrived at the back post to fire home and give the Hibees the lead. The closest chance to finish the half again came from Elding, as he forced Liam McFarlane to make a terrific save.

The second half was rather one-sided in favour of the Glasgow team as they came close to scoring on multiple occasions. Hibs’ best chance of the half came once again from Elding, as he was found in acres of space in a 1-on-1 with McFarlane but hesitated and was dispossessed, before Jamie McGrath’s follow-up shot from the edge of the box was chipped just over the bar.

Seb Drozd had been causing Hibs problems all game and that continued as he looked to win his side a penalty, as Duncan Nicholson pointed to the spot following a handball from Joe Newell. Thistle’s celebrations were short-lived, however, as VAR called Nicholson to the screen and, upon further viewing, he overturned it. Thistle kept pushing as they came close from a free kick edge of the box that forced Raphael Sallinger into a strong save, with the Austrian again called into action to deny Oisin Smith from the edge of the box. Ben Stanway came close as his header from the centre of the box was fired just wide and Hibs held on to secure their spot in the next round.

Once again, Hibs are surrounded by controversy involving VAR and penalties. For me, I don’t see how the original decision has been overturned as it clearly hits Newell’s hand, the shot was goal-bound, and whilst it has been argued that the Hibs’ captain’s hand is in a natural position, to me it seems too far away from his body to be allocated that title. It again shows the inconsistencies in the process of VAR and sets a precedent that will need to be followed throughout the rest of the season. It was also a very poor refereeing performance from Nicholson as he made a few questionable decisions that left fans of both teams scratching their heads.

Hibs will be happy with the result, of course, with a dream draw to follow in the quarter-finals. They looked brilliant in the first 30 minutes and players such as Elding, Adam Mayor and Kayano Megwa all followed up impressive performances at Ibrox last week with a solid showing. The second half was not so great for Hibs, as they were on the back foot for most of it. They finished the job, however, and that is all that matters, with a very tough match away to KAA Gent coming up.

Thistle will rightly feel hard done by, as many believe that it should’ve been a penalty. Their performance overall was impressive, with head coach Mark Wilson stating: “I’m super pleased with the boys and how they performed.” They had chances and were very unfortunate not to score, with players such as Seb Drozd standing out and causing Hibs problems. Whilst they may feel hard done by, they put in a performance the fans should be proud of.

POTM: Owen Elding. Hibs would have no doubt been in trouble without him on the park, took his goal well and was unlucky not to score more

Stenhousemuir 1-0 Motherwell

Stenhousemuir produced the shock of the weekend as the Championship side knocked out match favourites Motherwell, beating The Well 1-0 with five minutes to go in extra time.
Motherwell made eight changes going into this one in anticipation. Both sides had minimal chances in the first half, with both keepers forced into routine saves but nothing too testing. Championship new boys Stenhousemuir were the better team for the majority of the game, testing Motherwell all throughout, spurning a few chances early in the second half. Both had chances from set pieces, but again, neither keeper was particularly tested.

Extra time came around and so did the best chance of the match so far, as Lewis O’Donnell’s curling effort came agonisingly close, hitting off the inside of the far post and rolled out for a corner, much to the helpless Matty Donnelly’s relief. Stenhousemuir would soon be rewarded, as Euan O’Reilly stepped up to become a local legend, taking a touch with his chest to bring the ball down and take it onto his right foot, firing along the ground into the far corner to spark celebrations inside Ochilview. They held on and have progressed to the League Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1975, a remarkable feat for a team who have achieved successive promotions in the last two seasons.

An incredible win, this showcases the talent that a somehow underrated team has. They have been building something special at Ochilview and a win of this calibre following two successive promotions displays the talent they have. They were the much better team for the majority of the match, beating a Motherwell side often described as “giant-killers” themselves. Their five shots on target to Motherwell’s one reflect the attacking prowess they possessed in this match. They now return to Championship football, having picked up four points from a possible six to start their league campaign.

Whilst they were a much-rested Motherwell side, you would always expect them to win this one. They were lacking creativity, on the back foot for most of the match, a different team to the free-flowing football we associate with Motherwell these days. Registering only one shot on target, they were contained brilliantly by Stenhousemuir and overall not the Motherwell side we are used to. A very disappointing loss, but their attention turns to their upcoming European games. They have been handed an extremely tough draw, facing last season’s Europa League finalists Freiburg, welcoming them first to Fir Park this Thursday.

POTM: Euan O’Reilly. Instantly written into Stenhousemuir history, he took his goal very well to send his team through.

Rangers 5-1 St Mirren

Derek McInnes has notched his first win as Rangers manager, as his side hit last season’s champions for five goals.

Following a brutal exit from the Europa League, you felt McInnes’ job was already heavily under pressure just four games into his tenure at Rangers. He needed a big performance from his team and they gave him just that.

Ryan Naderi opened the scoring with his first goal of the season. Their lead was soon doubled by a Vanja Dragojević screamer, with the Serbian taking a touch with his chest before firing it into the top corner on the volley from 25 yards out. St. Mirren’s Chris Mochrie responded with a finish equally as impressive, as he picked up a loose pass in the middle of the Rangers’ half, firing into the top-left corner from just outside the box to give the Saints a preferable one-goal deficit going into half-time.

Whatever Craig McLeish said at the break did not work, as the hosts went on to dominate the second half. Djeidi Gassama notched his first of the season as he found himself on the end of a beautiful through ball courtesy of James Penrice, slotting the ball under Jacob Chapman.

Penrice then scored himself just two minutes later to grab a goal on his Gers’ debut. St Mirren were awarded a penalty as Eseosa Sule was brought down by Emmanuel Fernandez in the area. Killian Phillips scored with his first effort, before he was told to retake it as John Beaton called it back due to the whistle not being blown, before Phillips’ second attempt was saved by Ivor Pandur. Ross McCausland found the net in the 74th minute to wrap up the win for Rangers.
This is exactly the response that Derek McInnes needed from his team after a very poor opening set of results. They were playing good football, had many chances and looked a
world away from the Rangers team we have watched the past couple of weeks. New signings Penrice and Dragojević contributed with goals as well as solid performances, whilst Djeidi Gassama got off the mark for this season and provided an assist as well. A great response to a poor set of games and they now turn their attention to the Czech Republic’s FK Jablonec in their Conference League Playoff match.

Last season’s winners crash out following a large loss and ultimately did not look like winning it for large parts of the match. Mochrie’s goal was a stunner, but other than the finish and penalty, they did not look much like scoring. A disappointing result that follows two brilliant league wins, the Saints will look to improve from this loss as league action resumes.

POTM: James Penrice. Scored a goal and provided an assist on his debt to help the squad win their first competitive game of the season.

Game of the week: Kilmarnock 3-2 Ayr United

Goal of the week: Vanja Dragojević vs St. Mirren

Player of the week: Calvin Miller

Team of the week: Rangers

The draw

Shortly after the Rangers game finished, Alan Hutton selected eight balls from the pot to decide who plays who in the quarter final stage. The draw is as follows:

Stenhousemuir vs Hearts. Ochilview Park Friday 11th September at 19:45.

Ross County vs Hibernian. Victoria Park. Saturday 12th September at 15:00.

Kilmarnock vs Aberdeen. Rugby Park. Saturday 12th September at 17:45.

Rangers vs Celtic. Ibrox Stadium. Sunday 13th September at 12:00.

A very exciting set of fixtures, with the obvious standout game being the Old Firm match.

Hearts and Hibs will both be happy with the draw, whilst Stenhousemuir and Ross County will be a potential cupset once again. Kilmarnock and Aberdeen will provide much entertainment between the teams who finished tenth and ninth respectively last season, whilst the Old Firm needs no introduction. A great set of fixtures, it looks to be an exciting weekend of football with the prize of a Hampden trip waiting those victorious.