Motherwell through as Tawanda Maswanhise hits late double
Motherwell produced some good passages of play in and around the Morton box in the first half but had a major let-off when Paul McGinn felled Tomi Adeloye as the Morton striker was bearing down on goal. Referee Ryan Lee ruled McGinn got the ball, although he appeared to get the man first.
The breakthrough came in the 52nd minute. James Storer brilliantly pushed a Johnny Koutroumbis shot up and on to the bar before Apostolos Stamatelopoulos bundled the ball over the line.
Morton pressed for an equaliser but Maswanhise collected Liam Gordon's through-ball and slotted home in the 83rd minute before curling into the top corner from 25 yards in stoppage time for his fourth goal of the new season.
Ethan Ross hit a double as Falkirk came from behind to beat Queen's Park 3-1 and move top of Group A.
The William Hill Premiership newcomers fell behind in the 14th minute when Josh Fowler netted following a set-piece.
Ross scored on the rebound three minutes before the break after Calvin Miller's shot was saved and then headed home five minutes after the interval.
Brian Graham grabbed his first Falkirk goal in the 87th minute after Scott Arfield's deflected shot fell into his path.
Cove Rangers are a point behind the Bairns ahead of their final games after David Eguaibor hit a double in a 3-0 win at Brechin.
Kilmarnock were held to a goalless draw at Kelty Hearts but they remain a point ahead of both Livingston and East Fife in Group H after losing the penalty shoot-out. Killie next host the Fifers, who beat Brora Rangers 3-0 thanks to Nathan Austin's opener and an Alan Trouten double.
Ronan Hale hit a hat-trick as Ross County thrashed Edinburgh City 8-0 but Partick Thistle remain two points clear ahead of their trip to Dingwall on Saturday. First-half goals from Aidan Fitzpatrick and Tsoanelo Letsosa earned the Jags a 2-0 victory over Queen of the South.
Dundee left it late to record a first win under Steven Pressley as they beat Bonnyrigg Rose 3-1, although they cannot progress. Clark Robertson's opener was cancelled by Cameron Ross but the visitors struck twice in the final four minutes through Emile Acquah and Billy Koumetio.
First-half goals from Dom Thomas, Curtis Main and George Oakley saw Ayr beat Forfar 3-0 and move two points ahead of St Mirren ahead of the Group D decider in Paisley on Sunday.
A Lee Kilday own goal earned Dunfermline a 2-1 win over Hamilton and kept alive their hopes of progress behind Group E leaders Hearts, who can maintain their perfect record against Dumbarton on Wednesday.
St Johnstone are in control of Group F after goals from Jamie Gullan, Josh McPake and Makenzie Kirk earned a 3-1 win over Raith Rovers. The Perth side are three points ahead of Inverness, who thrashed East Kilbride 6-2.
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Celtic and Rangers handed home draws in Premier Sports Cup as St Mirren join them in last 16
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Glasgow Times
6 hours ago
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Fans' group deliver demands on prices and pyro to Hampden
Representatives from the newly formed Scottish Supporters Collective gathered outside the national stadium this morning to hand over an open letter that contained a list of five changes they wish to see implemented in the Scottish game, with issues cited ranging from the need for fairer ticket pricing, improved facilities for disabled fans and engagement on how to safely manage the use of pyrotechnics in stadiums. The Scottish Supporters Collective is made up of members of 16 active supporters groups, with some of their members explaining to Herald Sport what they are hoping to achieve. 'There's been a lot of conversations recently about football fans, but the voice that's been missing from these conversations is the voice of match-going fans," said Will Adam, a Falkirk fan. "We're asking those in charge to get round the table with the groups of fans who add colour and atmosphere to stadiums. By working together rather than demonising Scottish football can grow and thrive.' Manpreet Singh, a Partick Thistle supporter, added: 'Fans are Scottish football's biggest asset. You are never going to compete financially with the top leagues in Europe, but where we can rival them is with our passion and loyalty. "If those in charge of clubs and those in charge of running the game acknowledged that and engaged meaningfully we could build something special.' (Image: Scottish Supporters Collective) The letter read: "Scottish football is nothing without its supporters. The passion, colour, and unwavering loyalty of fans is what sets our game apart. Yet, in recent months, a moral panic has taken hold - the mainstream media and authorities have unfairly demonised active support groups and other passionate supporters, while ignoring the value we bring to stadiums on matchday. "We have watched in recent months as others have discussed supporter issues, whilst we have collectively been locked out of any consultation as those with little to no understanding of supporter culture, debate out of touch ideas on how to improve fan experience. "We suggest that rather than continuing with the failed approach of excluding fans from discussions and demonising a culture that many in power do not understand, the more mature approach involves engaging with supporters to improve our game. "Representatives from active support groups across Scotland have met and subsequently agreed to set up Scottish Supporters Collective to act as a wider voice for all supporters. Scottish Supporters Collective have discussed how we would improve the fan experience for Scottish football fans for the season ahead and we collectively propose five key changes to enhance the matchday experience, ensure fairness, and rebuild trust between fans and authorities. 1. Ticket prices should be set and frozen at the beginning of each season to prevent supporters being overcharged. In addition a flat percentage of away ticket allocations for all fixtures should be introduced. 2. Commitment from all clubs to participate in meaningful and regular supporter engagement, with their own club supporters and the wider Scottish Supporters Collective. 3. Allowance of use of atmosphere enhancement materials should be guaranteed access at all grounds, including for away supporters. Those items should include drums, banners, megaphones, and telescopic poles, all of which help provide a positive and supportive atmosphere. 4. A pledge for clubs to increase investment for disabled supporter facilities, as far too many grounds remain inaccessible, with inadequate viewing areas and limited services. 5. Pyrotechnic disposal bins to be installed at all stadia. Rather than demonising pyro use, pragmatic measures can mitigate risks while acknowledging its role in fan culture. These bins are a proven solution, providing a safer environment, reducing hazards and eradicating heavy-handed policing practices. (Image: Scottish Supporters Collective) "These changes would not be radical, are easily implemented and would help to improve the matchday experience of fans across the country along with providing safer measures. "More than that, actioning these points would demonstrate that good faith engagement between fans and the custodians of our game can benefit us all. Indeed, all of these measures are currently in use in some form in many countries throughout Europe. "The current narrative pits fans against authorities, but this dynamic has failed to deliver the improvements required for our game to grow and thrive. It is time for proper fan engagement. "Therefore Scottish Supporters Collective, which currently includes representatives from across the SPFL leagues including the majority of Premiership and Championship clubs, requests that the above proposals are implemented SPFL wide and offers an invitation for further talks with SFA, SPFL, SFSA and all clubs within the SPFL league structure." Derek Watson, a Motherwell fan involved in the group, said: 'The aim of the collective is fairly simple. "We want to create a better and more enjoyable match-day experience for all supporters. Football fans should be at the forefront of decision making. The changes we are proposing are fairly simple but could make a huge difference.'
The National
6 hours ago
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Fans' group deliver demands on prices and pyro to Hampden
Representatives from the newly formed Scottish Supporters Collective gathered outside the national stadium this morning to hand over an open letter that contained a list of five changes they wish to see implemented in the Scottish game, with issues cited ranging from the need for fairer ticket pricing, improved facilities for disabled fans and engagement on how to safely manage the use of pyrotechnics in stadiums. The Scottish Supporters Collective is made up of members of 16 active supporters groups, with some of their members explaining to Herald Sport what they are hoping to achieve. 'There's been a lot of conversations recently about football fans, but the voice that's been missing from these conversations is the voice of match-going fans," said Will Adam, a Falkirk fan. "We're asking those in charge to get round the table with the groups of fans who add colour and atmosphere to stadiums. By working together rather than demonising Scottish football can grow and thrive.' Manpreet Singh, a Partick Thistle supporter, added: 'Fans are Scottish football's biggest asset. You are never going to compete financially with the top leagues in Europe, but where we can rival them is with our passion and loyalty. "If those in charge of clubs and those in charge of running the game acknowledged that and engaged meaningfully we could build something special.' (Image: Scottish Supporters Collective) The letter read: "Scottish football is nothing without its supporters. The passion, colour, and unwavering loyalty of fans is what sets our game apart. Yet, in recent months, a moral panic has taken hold - the mainstream media and authorities have unfairly demonised active support groups and other passionate supporters, while ignoring the value we bring to stadiums on matchday. "We have watched in recent months as others have discussed supporter issues, whilst we have collectively been locked out of any consultation as those with little to no understanding of supporter culture, debate out of touch ideas on how to improve fan experience. "We suggest that rather than continuing with the failed approach of excluding fans from discussions and demonising a culture that many in power do not understand, the more mature approach involves engaging with supporters to improve our game. "Representatives from active support groups across Scotland have met and subsequently agreed to set up Scottish Supporters Collective to act as a wider voice for all supporters. Scottish Supporters Collective have discussed how we would improve the fan experience for Scottish football fans for the season ahead and we collectively propose five key changes to enhance the matchday experience, ensure fairness, and rebuild trust between fans and authorities. 1. Ticket prices should be set and frozen at the beginning of each season to prevent supporters being overcharged. In addition a flat percentage of away ticket allocations for all fixtures should be introduced. 2. Commitment from all clubs to participate in meaningful and regular supporter engagement, with their own club supporters and the wider Scottish Supporters Collective. 3. Allowance of use of atmosphere enhancement materials should be guaranteed access at all grounds, including for away supporters. Those items should include drums, banners, megaphones, and telescopic poles, all of which help provide a positive and supportive atmosphere. 4. A pledge for clubs to increase investment for disabled supporter facilities, as far too many grounds remain inaccessible, with inadequate viewing areas and limited services. 5. Pyrotechnic disposal bins to be installed at all stadia. Rather than demonising pyro use, pragmatic measures can mitigate risks while acknowledging its role in fan culture. These bins are a proven solution, providing a safer environment, reducing hazards and eradicating heavy-handed policing practices. (Image: Scottish Supporters Collective) "These changes would not be radical, are easily implemented and would help to improve the matchday experience of fans across the country along with providing safer measures. "More than that, actioning these points would demonstrate that good faith engagement between fans and the custodians of our game can benefit us all. Indeed, all of these measures are currently in use in some form in many countries throughout Europe. "The current narrative pits fans against authorities, but this dynamic has failed to deliver the improvements required for our game to grow and thrive. It is time for proper fan engagement. "Therefore Scottish Supporters Collective, which currently includes representatives from across the SPFL leagues including the majority of Premiership and Championship clubs, requests that the above proposals are implemented SPFL wide and offers an invitation for further talks with SFA, SPFL, SFSA and all clubs within the SPFL league structure." Derek Watson, a Motherwell fan involved in the group, said: 'The aim of the collective is fairly simple. "We want to create a better and more enjoyable match-day experience for all supporters. Football fans should be at the forefront of decision making. The changes we are proposing are fairly simple but could make a huge difference.'
