Premier Sports Cup: Hearts loanee debut upset, Edinburgh City hit for five, late heartache for Spartans

Hearts loanee Callum Sandilands was on the wrong end of a Premier Sports Cup upset as Greenock Morton lost 1-0 to Lowland League champions Linlithgow Rose.

Callum Rae’s second half strike was enough to secure the three points for the visitors at Cappielow in a match where the fifth tier side more than held their own against Championship opposition. Sandilands completed his switch from Gorgie to Greenock last week, as he moves up a level following his successful short term spell at Montrose. It was almost a dream start for the 20-year old as he was set up for a tap-in midway through the first half, however his effort from six yards was unintentionally blocked on the line by teammate Jayden Gorman.

Elsewhere, Hearts loanees Stanley Wilson and Tommy North came off the bench for Edinburgh City in their 5-0 defeat to Falkirk. Meanwhile, Jambos midfielder Matthew Gillies played 90 minutes for Stenhousemuir in their 2-0 win over Forfar Athletic as former Hibs man Marvin Bartley begins his latest management role with three points. Spartans went toe-to-toe with Arbroath but were undone in the 86th minute to lose 2-1.

Ex Hibs defender took the reins at Cappielow in January. | SNS Group

What did manager Ian Murray say after Linlithgow upset?

The Morton boss reflected on his side’s performance and the Sandilands chance. He said: “With inexperience, you will concede goals. That’s just part and parcel of football. We’ve turned over 60% of the squad this season, so that’s pretty intense surgery. Our resources are fairly thin on the ground. Callum’s (Sandilands) chance hit Jayden (Gorman) I think, so when things like that happen, you just know it’s going to be one of those days.”

Edinburgh City were derailed by Falkirk after 35 minutes at the Meadowbank Stadium as Ross MacIver and Connor Allan converted either side of a Ben Parkinson brace. MacIver then struck again in the 88th minute to put the icing on the cake. Wilson and North were both introduced on the hour mark but weren’t able to make a significant impact in what was an extremely tough opener against Premiership top six opposition.

It was a better debut for Gillies who finalised his co-operation loan deal from Hearts to Stenny earlier in the week. The versatile defender helped Bartley’s side keep a clean sheet at Ochilview against Forfar as Lewis Hodgkiss and Matthew Aitken sealed the win at the other end of the pitch. After his deal was finalised, Gillies told WarriorsTV: “I’m delighted. It’s an ambitious club and playing in the Championship will be a great challenge, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Spartans were narrowly pipped by Arbroath at Ainslie Park in a match that looked destined for penalties. Bradley Whyte equalised in the 55th minute after Andy Winter opened the scoring for the visitors, but experienced former St Mirren midfielder Ryan Flynn’s 25 yard striker snatched victory for the Red Lichties.

Lennon's Pars were hammered by third tier East Kilbride. | SNS Group

What were the other results in the Premier Sports Cup?

Former Hibs boss Neil Lennon was on the wrong end of an empathic East Kilbride upset as his Dunfermline Athletic side lost 3-0 at the Bumblebee Stadium. Holders St Mirren got off to a strong start away to Dumbarton as they prevailed comfortable 4-0 victors. Dundee survived an early scare against Airdireonians to win 4-2 in a match where Diamonds defender Sam Fisher scored from his own half.

Premier Sports Cup matchday one results are as follows:

Group A:

Queen’s Park 3-1 Brora Rangers

Queen of the South 1-1 Kelty Hearts* (Kelty won 4-3 on penalties)

Group B:

Spartans 1-0 Arbroath

Stirling Albion 0-1 Dundee United

Group C:

Dumbarton 0-4 St Mirren

East Kilbride 3-0 Dunfermline Athletic

Group D:

Annan Athletic 1-4 Ross County

Dundee 4-2 Airdrieonians

Group E:

Partick Thistle 6-0 Brechin City

Stenhousemuir 2-0 Forfar Athletic

Group F:

Inverness Caledonian Thistle* 1-1 East Fife (Inverness won 5-3 on penalties)

Greenock Morton 0-1 Linlithgow Rose

Group G:

Edinburgh City 0-5 Falkirk

Stranraer 2-3 Ayr United

Group H:

Raith Rovers 3-1 Elgin City

Peterhead 0-1 Hamilton Academical

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