Sammon keeps Well on track to advance

Conor Sammon kickstarted his Motherwell career with a double against Queen of the South as last season’s Betfred Cup runners-up overcame a real threat to their chances of progression.

A draw and penalties reverse at Stranraer on Saturday had left Motherwell five points off the top of Group G but Sammon netted twice in the first half as Motherwell triumphed 2-0 at Fir Park.

Stephen Robinson’s side will now definitely progress if they win at Clyde on Saturday.

Stranraer’s slim hopes of qualifying for the second round ended with a 3-1 defeat by Clyde.

David Goodwillie scored twice and Martin McNiff added a third before Grant Anderson’s response.

St Mirren won their third successive penalty shoot-out after struggling to a 0-0 draw against gutsy Queen’s Park at Hampden Park.

Saints drew their first two Group H games, against Kilmarnock and Spartans, and triumphed on spot-kicks to gain extra points, and again they came up trumps last night with goalkeeper Craig Samson saving twice in the 5-4 win.

A second-half strike from Lee Erwin and a double from substitute Mikael Ndjoli earned Kilmarnock a 3-0 victory over Spartans.

Ayr and Partick Thistle will play off for top spot in Group E after both recorded their third wins.

Thistle needed a solitary goal from Miles Storey to overcome Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill after the hosts were caught out by a quick throw-in in the 59th minute.

Lawrence Shankland was the star man as Ayr beat Stenhousemuir 5-0 at Somerset Park.

The striker scored a hat-trick and also set up Michael Moffat for an easy finish before the latter netted his second goal late on.

Alloa moved top of Group A with a 3-0 win over Elgin City.

Jake Hastie hit a brace and Alan Trouten rounded off the win to send the Wasps clear of Ross County.

Mickel Miller’s hat-trick helped breath fresh life into Hamilton’s Group F hopes as they cruised to a 4-0 win over Berwick Rangers.

Airdrie overtook Annan as they strolled to a 4-1 win to give themselves a chance of qualifying in Saturday’s derby against Hamilton.

Skipper Sean Crighton, Ryan Conroy, Darryl Duffy and Dale Carrick were on target for the Diamonds.

Conor Sammon, right, celebrates after giving Motherwell a 2-0 lead over Queen of the South with his second goal.