Stubbs expects better finishing as St Mirren manager makes home debut
● Boss wants team to be more clinical ● Miller eager for Livi’s test against Premiership hosts
St Mirren manager Alan Stubbs takes the Paisley men at home for the first time when they host Spartans and has no complaints over his bow taking place in a rather low-key affair.
Stubbs said: “I am looking forward to it and not just because it is my first home game but because I am excited by everything just now.”
The Saints picked up two points from Stubbs’ first game in charge when they won a penalty shoot-out at Kilmarnock on Friday and the former Hibs boss said: “It could have been even better as we had enough chances to win (in 90 minutes). We need to be more clinical and hopefully that will come.”
Spartans have one point after drawing with Dumbarton and coach Derek Riddel said: “That was a terrific performance but we will need to play even better at St Mirren.”
Livingston defeated Airdrie 2-1 on Saturday and player/ manager Kenny Miller is looking forward to facing Premiership opposition at Hamilton Accies as he reckons the game will tell him more about the season ahead.
Miller, pictured, said: “We will get a little insight into what we will face every week.”
Accies aim to bounce back after losing 1-0 at Annan. Manager Martin Canning said: “In terms of this cup it is a mustwin game.”
Ross County look to build
on their 2-0 win over Elgin by defeating visitors Dundee United. Co-manager Stuart Kettlewell said: “United are a much-changed side but hopefully we can get the better of them.”
Tannadice boss Csaba Laszlo is looking for improvement after being held 1-1 by Arbroath and then losing the penalty shoot-out. He said: “Things have not fully clicked but I expect us to be better at Ross County.”
Morton head to Partick Thistle looking to move on from a 3-1 defeat by Ayr. Manager Ray Mckinnon said: “Two away games is a tough start. We are also light on strikers as both Denny Johnstone
and Robert Thomson are not yet fit.”
Inverness visit Cowdenbeath with manager John Robertson looking for better. He said: “We won 2-0 over Cove Rangers but we were sluggish so I am looking for improvement.”
Falkirk manager Paul Hartley is also looking for better from his side when then meet Forfar. He said: “I am looking for a much more energetic and cohesive performance than the one we put in the defeat by Montrose.”
Dunfermline begin their campaign against visitors
Peterhead with new recruits Faissal El Bakhtaoui and Myles Hippolyte set to be involved. Manager Allan Johnston said:
“If we create chances then these guys will score.”
Alloa begin their campaign with the visit of Arbroath, who have added defender Lewis Toshney on loan from Dundee United. Manager Jim Goodwin said: “Arbroath’s success at Dundee United has made finishing in the top two open to everyone.”
Queen of the South manager Gary Naysmith wants his side to remain devastating in attack but be defensively strong against Clyde tonight.
The Doonhamers defeated Stranraer 5-3, but Naysmith observed: “We have players that can score goals but we need an improved defensive performance.”
Dumbarton manager Stephen Aitken is looking for
his men to turn possession into goals after a frustrating stalemate at Spartans where a Queen’s Park side, who will have eight players making their starting debuts, visit.
Montrose host East Fife and Stenhousemuir face new-look Albion Rovers only three days after going down 2-0 to Partick Thistle.
Brechin City have added 19-year-old ex-dundee United youngster Harvey Dailly, and the son of former Scotland player Christian is set to make his debut at Stirling Albion.
Annan manager Peter Murphy wants his players to show that they can deliver consistently by seeing off League 2 rivals Berwick Rangers in the same manner that they dealt with Hamilton.