Late strikes earn Hamilton maximum points in bright start against neighbours

Hamilton secured three points with a 3-1 win over neighbours East Kilbride, two goals in the final nine minutes avoiding a penalty shootout scrap to pick up just two.

Darian Mackinnon knocked the Accies in front six minutes from the break, but the Lowland League Champions levelled on 69 minutes through Sean Winter’s penalty after Georgios Sarris had fouled Craig Howie.

Louis Longridge headed Hamilton ahead a second time and Ali Crawford sealed their success in injury time. Said managermartincanning:“we did not take our chances and that gave East Kilbride hope.”

The other game in Group G was also settled late, Queen of the South winning 3-1 at Stenhousemuir. A spot-kick by Mark Mcguigan had given the Warriors the lead but Stephen Dobbie forced in an equaliser with 20 minutes left and the striker added the third after Shaun Rooney had headed the Doonhamers in front.

Dunfermline romped to a 6-0 success over Elgin at East End Park, Nicky Clark grabbing four and Michael Paton as well as Calum Smith also netting.

The Pars top Group B with Peterhead who saw off visitors East Fife 1-0 thanks to Rory Mcallister’s early strike.

Falkirk won their opening Group A fixture 4-1 against Stirling Albion with Nathan Austin opening the scoring and Joe Mckee, Alex Harris and Aaron Muirhead, from the spot, adding goals before Darren Smith’s consolation.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle have joined the Bairns on the three-point mark after their 3-0 success over Brechin, Gary Warren scoring twice in the first half and George Oakley netting in the second.

St Mirren came from behind to win 4-1 at Stranraer, Gavin Reilly cancelling out Scott Agnew’sgoalbeforerossstewart, Lewis Morgan and Gregor Buchanan goals got the Paisley side’s season up and running.

Morton sit behind Motherwell at the top of their group after a 1-0 win at Berwick Rangers where Michael Tidser’s chip was turned into his own net by Ollie Fleming.

Cowdenbeath top Group D after their 4-2 success over Buckie Thistle, Cammy Muirhead, David Syme with a double and Ryan Connelly scoring for the Fifers and Craig Dorrat and Drew Copeland netting for the Highland League champions.

Ten former Annan players helped Clyde defeat the Galabank side 2-1, Jack Breslin and David Goodwillie goals marking Jim Chapman’s first game in charge of the Bully Wee before Steven Swinglehurst scored for his old club.