St Mirren began their Premier Sports Cup defence with a ruthless 4-0 demolition of Dumbarton, Samuel Ramos netting twice on his debut alongside fellow new signing Chris Mochrie. The holders' statement win contrasted sharply with Greenock Morton's humiliation at Cappielow, where Lowland League champions Linlithgow Rose secured a famous 1-0 victory through Calum Rae's 58th-minute breakaway finish — proof the amateur side belongs in senior competition despite licence issues denying them play-off entry last term.

Dundee survived a massive scare at Dens Park, twice coming from behind to beat Airdrieonians 4-2 after Harry Sharp's own goal and a Sam Fisher free-kick from the halfway line put the League One side ahead. Falkirk announced their Premiership return with a 5-0 thrashing of Edinburgh City, Ross Mac Iver claiming the season's first Scottish hat-trick. East Kilbride delivered the day's other seismic shock, dismantling Scottish Cup finalists Dunfermline 3-0 with three debutants on the scoresheet.

Dundee United required a 94th-minute Zac Sapsford penalty to edge fourth-tier Stirling Albion, while Ross County's 4-1 win at Annan — Brian Graham scoring twice — signalled immediate promotion intent. Partick Thistle crushed Brechin 6-0 as Gary Mackay-Steven rolled back the years with a brace. Only Inverness and Kelty Hearts salvaged bonus points via shootouts after draws with East Fife and Queen of the South respectively.

The group stage has already separated contenders from pretenders. St Mirren, Falkirk and Ross County look primed for knockout progression, while Morton and Dunfermline face early inquests. Linlithgow's win isn't a fluke — it exposes the Championship's vulnerability to organised, motivated lower-league sides. Dundee's defensive frailty against Airdrie suggests Tony Docherty has work to do before the league campaign.