Inverness edge Montrose in shoot-out decider

Roy McBain opened the scoring for Inverness via Sean Crighton's leg in first half injury time and that looked like being enough until Montrose substitute Jordan Leyden lobbed home late on. Chris Hegarty's penalty miss proved crucial in the 5-3 shoot-out with Lionel Djebi-Zadi netting the decisive effort.

Terry Butcher hopes his side's struggle will be a good omen, saying: "In my first season at Rangers we needed penalties to defeat East Fife and ended up winning the league. Fair play to Montrose, we could not break them down."

Injured Montrose player/manager Steven Tweed had said he wasn't looking forward to watching from the sidelines, but it sounded as if he enjoyed the experience, saying afterwards: "We played well and deserve a lot of credit for that performance."

Last year's beaten finalists Ross County defeated Alloa 3-2 after extra time thanks to a hat-trick from substitute Michael Gardyne.

A Steven Watt own goal gave Alloa an early lead with Gardyne netting an equaliser before the visitors edged ahead again through Greig Spence in the first period of extra time. Gardyne then equalised again, but David Crawford saved a penalty from the striker and the Wasps' Gary Carroll was red-carded before Gardyne redeemed himself with a late winner.

Dingwall boss Derek Adams commented: "It's nice to get through as there were shocks elsewhere." Alloa manager Allan Maitland said: "I'm disappointed to go out, but I'm pleased with the boys' performance."

Stirling Albion defeated Raith Rovers 2-1 at Forthbank thanks to Andy Graham's goal and a David McKenna volley with Allan Walker firing in a late consolation.

Albion manager Allan Moore said: "It was important to get the opening goal." While Rovers manager John McGlynn lamented: "I'm disappointed as there was little between the sides."

Dunfermline saw off Arbroath 2-1 at East End Park with Andy Kirk and Stephen Bell netting to leave a contented manager Jim McIntyre who said: "Andy's goal was superb and shows what he's capable of." Jamie Redman grabbed a late goal for the Gayfield men.

Forfar's Kevin Fotheringham returned to haunt former club East Fife as he made a goal for Martin Fotheringham and scored one himself in their 2-0 win. Station Park manager Dick Campbell noted: "We were worthy winners and are well placed for the coming campaign."

Elgin shocked Brechin 3-1 at Borough Briggs with Jason Crooks, Craig Frizzell and Steven Edwards all netting, while Rory McAllister scored for Jim Duffy's men. The sides meet again this weekend in the Co-operative Insurance Cup and Duffy said: "I will be looking for an improvement as Elgin deserved to win today."

Cowdenbeath also shocked higher league opposition with Paul McQuade's winner sealing a 2-1 win at Peterhead after Martin Bavidge and Scott McBride traded goals. Balmoor manager Neale Cooper said: "We should have had the game won by half time."