Scottish Communities League Cup: Livingston post record win as cup ties score high in excitement

Livingston eased into the second round of the Scottish Communities League Cup with a club record 8-0 win at Stranraer.

Marc McNulty helped himself to a hat-trick and Jordan Morton and Iain Russell both had doubles with Kevin McCann also getting on the scoresheet.

John Gemmell netted the first goal in this season’s competition when he struck for Stenhousemuir after 20 seconds and it set up a 4-0 victory over Brechin City with Darren Smith scoring twice in the second half and Stewart Kean adding a late penalty.

Raith Rovers edged Berwick Rangers 4-3 at Stark’s Park. Lee Currie put Berwick in front but Brian Graham equalised from Laurie Ellis’s header. Berwick stunned the home support when Philip Addison put them back in front early in the second half but Dougie Hill hit back shortly afterwards. Graham and Pat Clarke added further goals for Raith with Currie getting a second for Berwick.

Ayr United thumped Clyde 6-1 at Somerset Park. New signing David Winters made the breakthrough with a composed finish. Michael Moffat added a second and also scored from the penalty spot while Jonathan Tiffoney and David Sinclair netted a double.

Queen of the South took an early lead at home to Alloa Athletic when Chris Mitchell scored. Ben Gordon headed a 63rd-minute equaliser but Chris Higgins headed the home side back in front four minutes later. Martin Grehan equalised and three goals in the final eight minutes from Nicky Clark (2) and Derek Lyle put Queens through 5-2.

Chris Erskine gave Partick Thistle an early lead at Forfar Athletic and Steven Lawless made it 2-0 eight minutes from the break, which is how it finished. Forfar wasted a great chance when Gavin Swankie missed a resultant penalty.

Hamilton saw off Annan Athletic 2-0. Jon Routledge put them ahead with a close-in finish after 65 minutes and Darian MacKinnon, with his first senior goal, settled it.

Martin Boyle headed Montrose in front against Cowdenbeath and Paul Watson doubled their advantage before halftime. A last-minute goal from Marc McKenzie was not enough as Montrose won 2-1.

Bryan Prunty and Jim Lister gave Dumbarton a 2-0 win over Albion Rovers and two goals from Jamie Brough helped Queen’s Park beat Airdrie United 3-2 after extra-time at Firhill. Arbroath beat Stirling Albion 3-2 on penalties after the tie had finished 1-1.