Gordon: League Cup ties are not friendlies

Liam Gordon insists nobody is treating the Premier Sports Cup like preseason, because they want to get back to Hampden.

- ANDY MCGILVRAY

The Steelmen battled out a 2-2 draw at Clyde on Saturday in their Group D opener, an took the bonus point from a 5-4 penalty shootout win at the Hamilton Community Stadium.

James Hilton's spectacular opener was cancelled out by a Tawanda Maswanhise double, only for Liam Scullion to head in an equaliser, taking the game to a shootout.

That's a far cry from last season's semifinal defeat against Rangers at Hampden, but defender Gordon says you've got to start somewhere.

The former St Johnstone captain said: "The Premier Sports Cup does help for preparation, and it's a great opportunity.