The Scotsman

Duffy wants an encore against Livingston after seeing his side win Renfrewshi­re derby

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Morton manager Jim Duffy has challenged his players to reproduce the form that saw off St Mirren 4-1 when Livingston visit in the only all-championsh­ip first-round tie.

Duffy said: “The players put a lot into Saturday’s game and they now need to do the same in a quieter atmosphere.”

As holders Dundee United welcome Cowdenbeat­h, manager Ray Mckinnon said: “We showed a lot of spirit to beat Queen of the South with ten men on Saturday. I am looking for the same spirit.”

St Mirren’s players have been told not to feel sorry for themselves ahead of facing visitors East Kilbride. Assistant manager James Fowler said: “We have to put everything into bouncing back from the Morton game.”

Queen of the South boss Gary Naysmith, ahead of hosting Airdrie, said: “We missed chances against Dundee United and it was costly.” Raith Rovers host Brora and manager Barry Smith said: “This is another opportunit­y to show we are progressin­g.”

Home side East Fife face Peterhead for a second time this season with the Fifers out to make up for a 1-0 Betfred Cup defeat, while Clyde manager Jim Chapman wants a switched-on performanc­e against visitors Stranraer. He said: “We need 90 minutes of concentrat­ion to win.” Stirling Albion manager Dave Mackay, pictured, keeps things fresh in hosting Montrose.

He said: “I have changed the team for every game and it has worked well.”

Ahead of Cove Rangers’ visit, Stenhousem­uir manager Brown Ferguson said: “We created a lot of chances in the second half at Montrose on Saturday. We need to do that from the start.”

Albion Rovers manager Brian Kerr is warning his side not to underestim­ate visitors Spartans. He said: “We are the favourites. However, you have to go out and be profession­al.”

Brechin manager Darren Dods heads to Buckie Thistle, saying: “Winning will make the long journey home better.”

Aberdeen’s under-20 manager Paul Sheerin, keen to see who first-team boss Derek Mcinnes will allow him to field against St Johnstone’s youngsters, said: “This is an opportunit­y to use a couple of firstteam guys who have not had much football recently as overage players.”

Hearts have recalled Harry Paton, Andy Irving and Callumn Morrison from loan spells to feature for their under-20 side at Formartine.

Edinburgh City manager Gary Jardine, wary of visiting Hamilton Accies’ youngsters, said: “Hamilton produce good quality young players so we have to be defensivel­y strong.”

Elgin face Hibs under-20 side at Ainslie Park. Said manager Jim Weir: “We have to make it difficult for teams to score against us.” Berwick Rangers boss John Coughlin is hoping to have Kevin Mckinlay and Steven Thomson available against Kilmarnock’s under-20 at Rugby Park.

Forfar manager Gary Bollan is looking for a reaction after Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Ayr against Ross County’s under-20 side in Dingwall. He said: “Hopefully the disappoint­ing score will fire us up.”

Partick Thistle under-20s must watch Stirling University player/manager Chris Geddes at Firhill as he has hit three goals in the Lowland League so far.

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