St Mirren Faces Tough Challenge Against Rangers in League Cup Last 16
Dunfermline secured the final spot in the League Cup last 16 with a late penalty from Chris Kane, overcoming St Mirren on Sunday. This victory allowed Dunfermline to progress as one of the three best runners-up, edging out Queen's Park despite St Mirren topping the group on goal difference. Manager Craig McLeish expressed disappointment about the draw against Rangers, stating, "I am disappointed from my point of view that we had a chance to win our group and be one of the seeded sides and the draw has not been good to us." He felt St Mirren was denied a goal but acknowledged, "we only have ourselves to blame unfortunately." Derek McInnes, the Rangers manager, was pleased with the home draw, recognizing the challenge ahead. "You're up against a team who did so well last season in the cup by winning it. So we know that it's not without its pitfalls, but the fact that we're at home, we've got to be grateful for that," he remarked. Neil Lennon, head coach of Dunfermline, praised his team's performance, believing they "deserved our victory" but acknowledged the upcoming challenge against Ross County, a team he deemed formidable after their relegation. The other group winners included Aberdeen, Ayr, Dundee United, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Kilmarnock, County, and Stenhousemuir. Celtic, Heart of Midlothian, Hibernian, Motherwell, and Rangers received byes due to their participation in European competitions. The second-round ties are scheduled for the weekend of 15-16 August.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-07-26