Top-flight sides Heart of Midlothian, Hibernian and St Mirren all beat lower league opposition, but Ross County came a cropper against Championship visitors Livingston.
Hearts fan responses to the win away to Brechin City…
Derek: Dodgy pitch was a real leveller, but it was a good performance in the end. Yan Dhanda looked like a man with a point to prove and got a deserved goal – and Elton Kabangu looks a good shout for the rest of the season. Jorge Grant was unlucky, James Wilson was class, but Cammy Devlin and James Penrice outshone everyone. Not a finished article, but signs that we’re improving.
Jim: Brilliant opener from Brechin and equaliser from Dhanda. Fitness told in the end and Hearts ran out comfortable winners. However, even this game still showed that Hearts lack a creative midfielder who can run with the ball and that they are severely weak up front. For me, Kenneth Vargas can get on the first plane back to Costa Rica – he’s useless!
Alan: A real Jekyll and Hyde performance. The first half an hour, we were absolutely awful, the second half we played some good stuff, good attacking play, especially down the left side. This team shows they can turn it on when they want to. Big Elton knows the game and knows the way to goal. His physicality will cause teams a lot of problems.
Jimbo: At last, something seems to be slowly happening with the team. They’re not leaking goals. This team now needs time to play together and, with more possible additions, belief and confidence from the players will come. The league is tight, but I’m hopeful we can climb the table into the top six. Silly points dropped previously could hurt us though.
Steve: First half was a blood and guts cup tie – narrow heavy pitch didn’t help. Craig Halkett and Kabangu were standouts. Good to see Wilson coming on as substitute, as at this point he’s not a 90-minute player. Big question marks about our midfield, that’s where we need new faces. Just relieved we got through this round.
John: Not the best performance, but job done on a poor pitch against a physical side. Excellent goal from Dhanda, showing hunger. Hopefully the floodgates will open for Kabangu. Vargas trying to claim that goal is embarrassing. He’s an imposter and needs moved on.
Thoughts of Hibs supporters after easing aside sixth-tier visitors Clydebank…
Danny: Hibs were decidedly average. The Bankies were obviously aiming to defend and didn’t have a shot on target.
Kenny: A professional performance. We looked like a very good Premiership side. The team are working hard in all departments and the effort everyone’s putting in is great to see. Our season starts here. Hopefully, we can go on a good cup run, but qualifying for Europe must be the priority. We can’t afford now to take the foot off the gas.
John: The early goal got rid of any banana skin fears. Good to see Rudi Molotnikov get a start. He contributed to all good things on the park. The defence was solid as usual, Dylan Levitt’s performance was excellent and Martin Boyle is unplayable at the moment.
The St Mirren faithful were also pleased with their win away to Queen of the South…
Eddie: Job done. Winning in cup games is all that matters. It looks like a new star has emerged – young Callum Penman was impressive. Let’s not forget he is only 17 and it is about managing his development. Now we just have to beat Aberdeen in our next game – let’s get new signings in and get points on the board.
Dougie: In the end, a comfortable win, but we were put under pressure when Queen of the South scored. Good performances from Marcus Fraser, Scott Tanser, Penman and Toyosi Olusanya. Mikael Mandron was the weak link again. Play young Evan Mooney – at least he is a goalscorer and shows great potential.
But it was a disappoint day for County…
Jamie: Livi deserved their win. Too many players just miles off it. How Don Cowie can’t see this squad needs a bit of pace and width to mix things up is beyond me.
Rick: Didn’t deserve to win. Only started playing when we went behind for each goal. As for the final goal, the entire defence and goalkeeper were just ball watching and, finally, what on earth was Akil Wright doing for that handball? I couldn’t believe my eyes!
John: That’s the worst performance I’ve seen by County. They allowed Livingston to bully them and failed to attempt to control the game. Connor Randall not starting was a mistake for me. Apart from his tap in, Jordan White had very little, if any, influence.
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