UP FOR THE CUF

MICHAEL GRIMES ENJOYS A BUMPER BILL OF SCOTTISH LEAGUE CUP ACTION

- By Michael Grimes

IF YOU'RE looking for an early summer dose of competitive football, then the Scottish League Cup fits the bill.

The first game in this season's competition saw Partick Thistle ease to a 4-1 Group B win at Edinburgh City on Friday, July 11.

I missed that one, but I was at Arbroath v St Mirren the following day, the first of four games in a week on my trip from London.

It was the League One winners against Premiership opponents and promised much. However, the Group D game proved a bit of a damp squib and ended 0-0.

It ensured a point for both teams, though there was a penalty shootout for an extra point. In the end, Arbroath were 5-3 shootout victors, keeper Aidan McAdams thwarting the Buddies' Fraser Taylor along the way.

The weather-beaten stadium enjoyed a rare dose of sun and I was just thankful I don't visit here in midwinter.