Dundee United’s hopes of progressing from the Scottish League Cup group stage remain in the balance after they suffered a surprise defeat to third-tier side Montrose.

Jim Goodwin’s top-flight team, who required a stoppage-time penalty to overcome Stirling Albion on Saturday, conceded a first-half goal to Graham Webster at Links Park, which ultimately decided the match.

Fellow Premiership club Falkirk also endured a shock result as Kevin Holt secured a victory for second-tier Ayr United against John McGlynn’s side.

McGlynn’s team, who missed a penalty, opened their group campaign with a 5-0 win at Edinburgh City last weekend but now sit second behind Ayr in Group G.

Elsewhere, Stephen Robinson’s new-look Aberdeen, Dundee, and St Johnstone all secured victories, while Kilmarnock drew with Raith Rovers before earning a bonus point via a penalty shootout.

Nisbet double for Dons as Dundee hit five

Kevin Nisbet scored a penalty to put Aberdeen ahead against Brora Rangers in a match that featured seven debutants for the visitors. The former Hibernian striker added a second goal after the break.

In other Group A action, goals from Aidan Connolly and Jack Hamilton gave Queen’s Park two wins from two against Kelty Hearts.

Dundee maintained their perfect start by hitting five goals past lower-league Annan Athletic. Following a scoreless first half, Charlie Reilly netted a double, with Joe Bevan, Simon Murray, and Ashley Hay also contributing to the win.

Steven Pressley’s team currently sits at the top of their section. Meanwhile, a Kyle Connell goal helped Clyde edge out Airdrieonians in the other Group D fixture.

Kilmarnock held as St Johnstone open with win

Kilmarnock played their fixture at Beechwood Park in Auchinleck while their Rugby Park pitch undergoes grass replacement. They started without any new signings and finished in a goalless stalemate against Championship side Raith Rovers.

Kilmarnock claimed a bonus point by winning the subsequent penalty shootout. In the other Group H fixture, Peterhead recovered from a deficit to beat Elgin City 3-1.

St Johnstone secured their victory against Linlithgow Rose with first-half goals from Kai Fotheringham and Ruari Paton. Elsewhere in Group F, Greenock Morton’s difficult start continued with a 2-0 loss at East Fife, following their home defeat to Linlithgow on Saturday.

Thistle continue impressive start

Partick Thistle maintained their strong momentum with an emphatic win at Forfar Athletic, using a three-goal burst to build a commanding lead. Seb Drozd, Alex Samuel, and Dan O’Reilly scored the goals, while Tsoanelo Letsosa added a fourth late in the game.

Livingston also claimed a win in Group E, securing a 2-0 away victory over Brechin City.

Dunfermline rebounded from their loss at East Kilbride—who were defeated in a five-goal thriller by Cove Rangers—by thumping East Fife 4-1.

Stirling Albion overturned an early deficit against Spartans to win 3-1 and move to the top of Group B, leaving Dundee United in fourth place.

Finally, Edinburgh City recovered from their heavy loss to Falkirk by beating Alloa Athletic in Group G.