Premier Sports Cup Group Stage Delivers Thrills and Last-Minute Drama

The Premier Sports Cup group stage has wrapped up, serving up a series of exciting encounters and confirming the first batch of teams heading into the last 16. Alloa Athletic, along with Premiership outfits Falkirk and Kilmarnock, and Championship duo Partick Thistle and St Johnstone, have successfully navigated their groups to secure their progression.

Alloa Athletic's Stunning Comeback

Third-tier Alloa Athletic produced one of the most memorable moments, staging a remarkable comeback to defeat Championship hosts Airdrieonians 3-2. This late victory saw them leapfrog Airdrieonians to the top of Group C. Owen Foster initially headed Alloa into a half-time lead, but Airdrie hit back through Aidan Wilson and a penalty from Euan Henderson, putting the hosts in control. Scott Taggart's spot-kick for Alloa then leveled the score, a result that would have seen both teams qualify. However, Steven Buchanan fired home the visitors' winner with just a minute remaining, a goal that also dashed Airdrie's hopes of progressing as one of the best runners-up, a spot now claimed by Livingston and Greenock Morton.

Dominant Displays from Group Winners

Falkirk: The Bairns secured their advancement with a comfortable 4-0 home win against fourth-tier Spartans. Midfielders Dylan Tait and Scott Arfield set the tone, followed by a second-half brace from full-back Calvin Miller.
Kilmarnock: Kilmarnock confidently topped Group H by defeating League 2 champions East Fife 4-0. Goals from summer signings Marcus Dackers and Djenairo Daniels, set up by Jamie Brandan, were complemented by two fine finishes from 18-year-old wing-back Ben Brannan.
Partick Thistle: The Jags confirmed their last 16 place with a decisive 3-1 away victory over Championship rivals Ross County in their group decider. Robbie Crawford, Logan Chalmers, and Ben Stanway all found the net for Thistle, despite a late reply from Ross County's Jordan White. Ross County, despite finishing as runners-up, ultimately missed out on qualification.
St Johnstone: Saints delivered a resounding 8-0 thrashing of League 2 visitors Elgin City. An early opener from Reghan Tumilty and a red card for Elgin's goalkeeper set the stage for a goal-fest. Makenzie Kirk and Jamie Gullan both bagged doubles, with Uche Ikpeazu, Sam Stanton, and Sven Sprangler also on the scoresheet.

Runners-Up and Close Calls

Livingston secured their place as one of the best runners-up after a comprehensive 6-0 demolition of Kelty Hearts. Robbie Muirhead netted twice, with Andy Winter, debutant Adam Montgomery, Stevie May, and Shane Blaney also contributing to the goal tally, ensuring David Martindale's side's progression.

In Greenock, Morton clinched the runners-up spot in their group by beating Clyde 3-0. Goals from Kerr Robertson, a penalty from Tomi Adeloye, and Jackson Longridge ensured their passage.

Dunfermline Athletic currently hold the position of the third-best runner-up. Their 2-0 victory over Stirling Albion, with goals from Andrew Tod and a stoppage-time penalty from Rory MacLeod, gives them a chance, but their fate hinges on the result of Sunday's final group game between St Mirren and Ayr United.

Meanwhile, third-tier Cove Rangers, despite an early lead from Mitch Megginson away to Queen's Park, saw their hopes ended after a Michael Ruth penalty and Josh Fowler's late winner resulted in a 2-1 defeat.

Other Notable Results Across the Groups

Premiership side Dundee concluded a disappointing group campaign with a commanding 5-0 hammering of third-tier Montrose. Captain Simon Murray bagged a brace, alongside goals from Clark Robertson, Ryan Astley, and Luke Graham.
In local derby action, League 2 hosts Forfar Athletic edged Championship visitors Arbroath 1-0 thanks to an early Scott Shepherd goal in what was otherwise a dead rubber tie.
Fourth-tier Stranraer secured a 1-0 home victory over League 1 visitors Queen of the South, courtesy of Aaron Quigg's second-half strike.
Striker Ally Roy gave fourth-tier Dumbarton a 1-0 win against League 1 hosts Hamilton Academical in a clash between two sides relegated last season.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who began the day with a chance to win their group, were comprehensively beaten 5-1 by Championship hosts Raith Rovers, with midfielder Dylan Easton grabbing an impressive hat-trick.
Hosts Stenhousemuir secured a 1-0 victory over League 1 rivals Peterhead with a first-half goal from Ross Taylor.

Source:

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cde3y3wwr4ro