Betfred League Cup: Holders County through with penalty

Ross County, the holders, eased into this season's competition with a late 1-0 victory over Montrose at Links Park. A penalty by Brian Graham with just four minutes left was enough to squeeze victory after they made heavy weather of it.

Christian Nade scored his first goal for Stranraer

Michael Gardyne was thwarted by Jordan Millar early on but Montrose gave as good as they got and Paul Watson had a worthwhile effort shortly before half-time, but Scott Fox was positioned well to save.

Jonathan Franks and Craig Curran were both denied by Millar in the closing stages before Graham eventually sealed the three points in Group D.

In Group H, Albion Rovers and Morton could not conjure up a goal between them in a 0-0 draw but Morton secured the bonus point by winning the penalty shoot-out 4-3.

During the 90 minutes, Gary Fisher had a decent effort for Albion midway through the first half but Andy McNeil made a fine save.

There was little of any substance in a disappointing first half but Albion looked the more threatening in front of goal.

Neither side could find the net at the end of 90 minutes but Morton came out with the bonus.

The Group A fixture between Forfar and Dumbarton also went to penalties after an entertaining 2-2 draw, Forfar taking the bonus 5-3.

Grant Gallagher had a shot on the turn early on for Dumbarton but it finished well over.

They were made to pay as striker Josh Peters, signed late on Friday, put Forfar in front with a 12-yard shot.

Jim Lister was a constant source of concern for the Dumbarton defence and he shot narrowly wide in the opening moments of the second half. The striker was then denied by Mark Brown.

Dumbarton heeded the warning and Gallagher equalised with a header from a Craig Pettigrew cross.

Thomas O’Brien put Forfar in front with a great strike from distance after Garry Fleming lost possession but Fleming made amends when he drilled a penalty high into the net minutes later after a handball.

Forfar’s Jamie Bain was sent off in injury time after picking up his second booking.

Stranraer won 2-1 at Annan Athletic in Group F.

Scott Agnew had the best chance of the first half for Stranraer but Blair Currie saved well.

Christian Nade, pictured, put Stranraer ahead after 59 minutes with his first goal for the club and Frank McKeown netted the second with 15 minutes left before Przemyslaw Dachnowicz pulled back a late consolation.