SPL sides come out on top in pre-season games

FOOTBALL was back on Saturday and SFL clubs were in action the length and breadth of Scotland as well as Ireland, Northern Ireland and England.

The SPL came out on top, however, as Dunfermline went down 4-0 to Hibs at East End Park and Ayr losing 2-1 to Motherwell at Somerset Park.

The Honest Men led through an Andy Rodgers first-half goal before Ross Forbes levelled from a free kick and Robert McHugh hit the winner.

Partick Thistle's Liam Buchanan scored the quickest goal when he netted after just 32 seconds in their 3-1 win over Queen's Park at St Andrew's University. Buchanan netted at the start of the second half with Kris Doolan adding a third before Craig Smith grabbed a goal for the Spiders.

Queen of the South travelled to Northern Ireland and came back 3-1 winners over Dungannon Swifts. Cowdenbeath also ventured to Ireland and scored twice in the second half to rescue a 2-2 draw. A trialist and a fierce Mark Ramsay shot restored parity for Jimmy Nicholl's side.

Dundee and MK Dons played out a goalless draw at Dens Park, while Ross County won 2-0 against Strathspey. Raith Rovers have Iain Davidson, Iain Williamson and John Baird to thank for a 3-1 win over Montrose.

Livingston's new strike force of Ian Russell and Robbie Winters scored three of the visitors four goals in their 4-1 win over Spartans at Ainslie Park.