Mulgrew’s left foot one of the world’s best, claims Courts
Dundee United head coach Tam Courts hailed Charlie Mulgrew's left foot as one of the best in world football after the former Scotland international produced a matchwinning free-kick against Arbroath.
Mulgrew wrong-footed Arbroath goalkeeper Derek Gaston in the 21st minute to leave Courts purring about the defender's talent.
"It's one of the best left foots (sic) in world football, not just Scottish football, I think that's well recognised," Courts told DUTV.
"I must give credit to (assistant) Liam Fox and the players who have been doing a lot of work on set-pieces, because in tight games like that and Premiership games we are going to need our set-pieces. It's a big part of modern football.
"I was delighted to see that going in and what a goal that was."
United dominated the first half but part-time Arbroath pushed hard after the break and United had to hold on with 10 men after Archie Meekison went off injured in the 75th minute.
"I knew it would be a really difficult game," Courts said. "Arbroath are probably the nemesis of most full-time teams because this is where they want to benchmark themselves against.
"The first 45 minutes is probably the best we have played in my time at the club.” Dunfermline were Saturday's biggest winners, beating a decimated Dumbarton side 5-1 at East End Park thanks to goals from Nikolay Todorov, Dom Thomas, Craig Wighton, Kevin O’hara and Gregor Buchanan’s own goal.
Stirling Albion had goalkeeper Blair Currie to thank as he saved two penalties in their 3-2 shootout win away to Inverness after a 2-2 draw in normal time.
In the other Group A game, Peterhead picked up their first win of the season by beating Cove Rangers 3-1.
In Group B, Nathan Austin scored twice to help Kelty Hearts on their way to a 3-0 win at home to East Fife, while
Mark Gallagher scored his first Forfar goal as they beat Brora 1-0 to extend their lead at the top of Group C.
In Group D, Cowdenbeath struck a stoppage-time winner to beat Brechin 3-2 . Airdrie were also shootout winners, beating Group F rivals Queen’s Park 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 stalemate.
Defender Jamie Hamilton headed in his first goal three minutes from time as Hamilton Accies went top of Group E with a late win at ten-man Falkirk, while, in the same group, Albion Rovers picked up another bonus point after beating Edinburgh City 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw
Stranraer are top of Group G after beating Lowland League side East Kilbride 1-0, while Kilmarnock got themselves back in contention following their 2-1 win away to Clyde.
In Group H, Partick Thistle came from behind to win 2-1 at Stenhousemuir. Thomas Orr put Stenny ahead but Zak Rudden and Brian Graham scored to complete the turnaround.