St Mirren to visit Rangers in Premier Sports Cup last 16
Premier Sports Cup last 16 draw announced
The draw for the last 16 of the Premier Sports Cup has been announced, with current holders St Mirren set to travel to face Rangers. This fixture is one of several involving top-flight clubs in the competition’s next stage.
Other notable matches include Scottish champions Celtic, who were finalists in the previous season, visiting Dundee United. Additionally, Aberdeen will host Dundee in another all-Premiership encounter. These matches are scheduled to take place on the weekend of 15-16 August.
Kilmarnock, another top-flight team, will host Ayr United in what is anticipated to be an Ayrshire derby. This ensures a competitive set of fixtures as teams vie for a place in the quarter-finals.
Unseeded St Mirren face challenge
St Mirren’s manager, Craig McLeish, expressed disappointment regarding the draw. His team had a chance to secure a seeded position but missed out after a recent defeat. Despite topping their group on goal difference, the loss meant they were not seeded for the draw, leading to the away tie against Rangers.
McLeish commented on the situation, stating his disappointment that the team had an opportunity to win their group and be seeded, and that the draw had not been favourable. He also mentioned a disallowed goal in their last match, attributing the outcome to their own performance.
Meanwhile, Rangers’ manager, Derek McInnes, indicated satisfaction with securing a home draw. He acknowledged the challenge of facing a Premiership team, especially one that won the cup last season. McInnes highlighted the importance of playing at home, expressing gratitude for the advantage.
The draw guarantees that at least one team from outside the Premiership will reach the quarter-finals. This is due to Dunfermline Athletic, a second-tier side, being drawn at home against League 1 team Ross County.
Path to the quarter-finals
Dunfermline Athletic secured their spot in the last 16 as one of the three best runners-up, following a late penalty from Chris Kane that sealed a win away to St Mirren. This victory came at the expense of Championship rivals Queen’s Park.
Dunfermline head coach Neil Lennon believed his team deserved their victory against St Mirren, particularly after a strong performance in the latter half of the match. Despite Ross County now being in a lower league, Lennon expects a tough challenge, emphasising that a home tie is crucial but that his team will not take anything for granted given County’s strong season after a previous relegation.
The teams that won their respective groups and progressed include Aberdeen, Ayr, Dundee United, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Kilmarnock, Ross County, and Stenhousemuir. Dundee and Partick Thistle also advanced as runners-up.
Several clubs received byes directly into the last 16 due to their participation in European competitions. These include Celtic, Heart of Midlothian, Hibernian, Motherwell, and Rangers.
While the Old Firm clubs face top-flight opposition, other European participants will play Championship sides. Hearts are set to host Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Hibernian will be at home against Partick Thistle, and Motherwell will travel to face Stenhousemuir. All second-round ties are scheduled for the weekend of 15-16 August.
- Aberdeen v Dundee
- Dundee United v Celtic
- Dunfermline Athletic v Ross County
- Heart of Midlothian v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
- Hibernian v Partick Thistle
- Kilmarnock v Ayr United
- Rangers v St Mirren
- Stenhousemuir v Motherwell
Source: bbc.com
Isla Hartley is a Sports Reporter at NewsUK. She covered the British summer of sport from Wimbledon to the Test grounds. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sports Studies from the University of Stirling and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Glasgow, she runs half-marathons and follows Scottish athletics. “The overlooked athlete usually has the better story.”
