Falkirk must up tempo to see off Elgin says Peter Houston

Falkirk manager Peter Houston. Picture: Michael Gillen

Houston, pictured below, said: “We started well but ended up chasing an equaliser because we did not play at the right tempo.

“The tempo needs to be higher if we want to put that right against Elgin.”

Elgin manager Jim Weir reckons Falkirk’s defeat will make it harder for his men to bounce back from losing 3-1 to St Johnstone. He said: “Falkirk away is always a tough game, but their result at the weekend has made it tougher.”

Stirling head to Brechin with Glebe Park manager Darren Dods wary of the Forthbank men. He said: “Stirling will be looking to build on that win and we need to be ready.”

East Fife player/manager Gary Naysmith reckons that the bonus point his side picked up by winning the penalty shoot-out against Dundee could see hosts Dumbarton go all out for a win.

Naysmith said: “Dumbarton will not want us having a four-point advantage with Dundee and Peterhead still to play.”

Peterhead manager Jim McInally is hoping to add new recruits ahead of facing visitors Forfar, with Jamaican defender Hugo Samuels and Somalian- born midfielder Salim Massor set to join.

Forfar manager Gary Bollan heads to Peterhead encouraged after Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Dumbarton. He said: “We are still a work in progress.However, we played well and scored two well-taken goals against a team from two leagues above us.”

Alloa take their bow in the Betfred Cup against Cove Rangers, with the Highland League champions looking to bounce back from losing 2-1 to Raith Rovers in their opening game.

Raith Rovers manager Gary Locke is looking for his side to be patient against visitors Montrose, saying: “Montrose frustrated Ross County for nearly the entire game. I am sure that they will look to do the same to us.”

Montrose manager Paul Hegarty added: “We were undone with five minutes to go. We need to shake  off that disappointment quickly.

Queen of the South will look to keep former Doonhamers Ryan Conroy and Iain Russell quiet and see off Airdrie, with manager Gavin Skelton saying: “Ryan and Iain are both good players who will be out to prove a point.”

The Diamonds have a doubt over Marc Fitzpatrick, who was injured in Friday night’s 1-0 defeat by Partick Thistle.

Stenhousemuir include former Queen’s Park favourite Vinnie Berry for their visit to the Hampden side who are set to be without five players. Gregor Fotheringham, Liam Brown, Jamie McKernan, Tony Quinn and John Carter are all injured.

Stranraer’s summer signing Christian Nade looks set to start against East Stirling after coming off the bench to score in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Stranraer with the Shire hoping to start life positively after losing their SPFL status.

New head coach John Sludden said: “We are delighted to be involved in the competition and we want to get into a good style of play before starting our league campaign.”

Berwick Rangers manager John Coughlin will include members of his development squad against Albion Rovers as Ben Stirling is injured and both Michael McKenna and Barry Hogg are on holiday. Rovers hope to add striker Ross Stewart as Ryan | Wallace is carrying a knock and Paul Archibald is on holiday.

Morton manager Jim Duffy is predicting a tight contest against visitors Clyde. He said: “There was very little between us and Albion and there was very little between Clyde and Kilmarnock in the other meeting in the group. This game will be the same.”