East Fife followed up Saturday’s shoot-out triumph over Dundee with another impressive victory away at Dumbarton, while there were comfortable wins for Dundee United, Rangers and Dunfermline, in what was another fantastic night of sun-baked pitches and summer football.
The Fifers went ahead through Saturday’s man of the match Kevin Smith, with Paul McManus doubling their lead. With five points and games against Forfar and Peterhead to come, they have a brilliant chance of qualifying while Dumbarton, who finished the game with 10 men, have it all to do.
Dundee United were frustrated at Gayfield on Friday and it’s fair to say Cowdenbeath bore the brunt of their frustration at tonight as the Tangerines hit six. Simon Murray, who was on fire (and leaving defences terrified) at the end of last season, has continued where he left off by bagging a hat-trick, while new signings Lewis Toshney and Cammy Smith both opened their United accounts.
It was job done for Rangers as their much-changed team ran out 2-0 winners over Annan Athletic at Ibrox. Yet another screamer from young Scotland prospect Barrie McKay put them ahead in the first half before goal machine Martyn Waghorn doubled their lead. Matt Gilks, Lee Hodson, Clint Hill Niko Kranjcar and Josh Windass all made their first starts, with Joey Barton making his long-awaited debut off the bench after an hour.
For the second year in a row Dunfermline kicked off their season against Arbroath, and this result was just as comfortable as their victory in the Petrofac Cup last July. Michael Moffat scored either side of half-time and also set up Andy Geggan as the Pars begin with a 3-0 win. Dunfermline also had two goals ruled out for offside and hit the woodwork, while Arbroath finished a forgettable night with ten men.
St Mirren secured a crucial win over fellow Championship side Ayr United, Jack Baird’s last minute scrambled effort settling a tight contest. And Falkirk bounced back from their shock defeat against Stirling Albion with a comfortable 3-0 win over Elgin. Will Vaulks, who has been linked with Barnsley, Bristol City and Rotherham this week, gave the Bairns the lead with Lee Miller and Bob McHugh also chipping in with goals.
Tonight’s results in full:
Alloa 4-0 Cove Rangers
Stenhousemuir 0-2 Queen’s Park
Berwick 0-0 Albion Rovers(4-5 on penalties)
Brechin 2-1 Stirling Albion
Dumbarton 0-2 East Fife
Dundee United 6-1 Cowdenbeath
Dunfermline 3-0 Arbroath
Falkirk 3-0 Elgin
Morton 1-0 Clyde
Queen of the South 2-0 Airdieonions
Raith Rovers 2-1 Montrose
Rangers 2-0 Annan Athletic
St Mirren 1-0 Ayr United
Stranraer 3-1 East Stirlingshire
Peterhead 2-0 Forfar
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