Goodwin demands Dons maintain high standards

Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin has urged his side to maintain their ‘exemplary’ professionalism when they continue their Premier Sports Cup campaign at Stirling Albion. The dons are looking to consolidate top spot in Group A following 2-0 wins against Peterhead and dumbarton. They take on a side managed by former Pittodrie midfielder darren Young at Forthbank. Goodwin said on his club’s website: ‘We’re wanting a similar level of performance to what we’ve seen against Peterhead and dumbarton. ‘In the previous two games, the level of professionalism and the application from the players has been exemplary, which is something I’ve commented on after both games and that needs to remain the same. ‘We can’t take anything for granted and we’ll certainly prepare for this game the same way we have done in the previous two and we will hopefully get a similar outcome.’ new signing from benfica, Luis

Lopes, could make his debut at Forthbank, while Connor barron and Jack MacKenzie both remain out. St Mirren, who need a win to keep their hopes of top spot alive, will again be without goalkeeper Trevor Carson when they face Airdrie in Group e. The northern Ireland international will see a specialist over a knee problem. Annan will qualify for the second round if they avoid defeat at home to Ayr, while St Johnstone are looking for a first win when they travel to elgin. Partick Thistle will leapfrog Kilmarnock at the top of Group b if they beat Fraserburgh at Firhill, while Inverness are aiming to consolidate first place in Group G when they host Albion rovers. Whoever comes out on top between Alloa and ross County will jump above dunfermline in Group C while Group G frontrunners Queen’s Park and dundee meet at Ochilview.