Scottish League Cup: St Mirren’s hopes dashed as Motherwell, Hibs and Livingston win

St Mirren are out of this season’s League Cup after once again being taken to penalties by lower league opposition.

Just three days after losing to East Kilbride from the spot, Jim Goodwin’s men scraped a 4-3 shootout win after a 0-0 draw at Albion Rovers.

Despite the bonus point, it means the Paisley club’s last-16 hopes are already dashed.

Elsewhere, Premiership sides Hibernian, Motherwell and Livingston all won.

There was still room for a few upsets across the 11 games, however, as Dundee United were stunned in a 2-0 defeat to East Fife and Lowland League side East Kilbride edged out Edinburgh City.

The eight group winners and the four best runners-up all advance to join Scotland’s four European representatives in the last 16.

No fun in the sun for Saints

The mercury may be soaring across the country but St Mirren once again left their fans feeling cold in the League Cup.

The Scottish Premiership side travelled to Coatbridge tonight knowing anything but three points would effectively rule them out of this year’s tournament. In the end, it was the same old problem for Goodwin’s lot who struggled to put the ball in the net in the Lanarkshire sunshine.

Saints got off to a worrying start when Cammy MacPherson went off injured after just five minutes. Before the break was out, Jack Baird would strike the post, while after it Scott Roberts did likewise for the hosts.

Cammy Breadner’s ball was turned into his own net by an Albion defender, only for a flag to be raised. Both sides then limped on to penalties with Saints holding their nerve to edge the tie.

Despite taking the extra point, the complicated permutations across the remaining fixtures means it would not be possible for the Paisley side to advance.

“We are all very frustrated,” said Goodwin.

“I don’t know whether it is a hangover for a lack of confidence from last year. They weren’t renowned for scoring goals last season. I don’t know if that is a symptom that has come over.

“I said to them there it is a fresh start for everybody and we need to show a bit more belief, a bit more courage, a bit more creativity and imagination in the final third. In the second half it just whimpered out.

“I can’t fault their efforts. It’s just not been good enough in front of goal.”

What’s next?

Five fixtures will take place on Wednesday night as the League Cup group stage creeps towards its conclusion. Hearts host Stenhousemuir, while Ross County can make secure top spot in Group B with victory over Forfar Athletic. St Johnstone, who are already out, host Brechin City.

Elsewhere, Airdrieonians welcome Queen’s Park to the Penny Cabs Stadium, while Partick Thistle take on Clyde.

More to follow.