GK – Brian Schwake (Greenock Morton)
After the departure of last season’s No1 Jack Hamilton, Morton were in need of an adequate replacement. Manager Dougie Imrie seems to have found a perfect fit in the form of American stopper Schwake. The young keeper shone on loan at Edinburgh City last season and has made the step up to full-time level look seamless. The keeper impressed between the sticks at Easter Road on Wednesday night. He played his part in his side’s 1-1 draw with Hibernian before saving a pair of shoot-out spot kicks to secure a bonus point for the ‘Ton!
DEF – Scott Mercer (East Fife)
Attacking full-backs are a highly-coveted commodity in modern football. In Scott Mercer, East Fife have a player who can prove effective at both ends of the park. Athletic, technically gifted and possessing a wand of a right foot, Mercer is more than capable of doing his bit in front of either goal. Stevie Crawford’s side found themselves 2-0 down to Buckie Thistle after just over half an hour on Tuesday night. However, a spirited fightback, along with a goal from Scott Shepherd and a headed brace from Mercer saw the Fifers secure a well-earned 3-2 victory in Methil.
DEF – Cammy Kerr (Dundee)
Back-to-back TOTR appearances for Dundee’s No 2! Gary Bowyer’s side maintained their 100% start to the competitive campaign, overcoming Championship newcomers Queen’s Park at Ochilview. Kerr continued his goalscoring streak, adding his second in as many games to put his side 2-0 up in the first half. The Spiders pulled a goal back after the break and could’ve had a late equaliser if it wasn’t for Kerr, whose last-ditch clearance prevented what looked like a certain goal for Queen’s. A brilliant display from the full-back!
DEF – Callum Fordyce (Airdrieonians)
The Diamonds picked up arguably the result of the round on Tuesday night. Airdrie welcomed Premiership side St Mirren to Monklands and taught the top-tier team a footballing lesson. Airdrie were by far and away the better team on the night, and fully deserving of their 2-0 win over a 10-man St Mirren side who are languishing in fourth place in Group E after a difficult start to the season. Skipper Fordyce put in a typically rock-solid performance, leading from the back and showing why he has been arguably the best defender in League 1 for the past three years.
DEF – Cameron Harper (Inverness CT)
Billy Dodds’ Caley Thistle side have impressed thus far in the Premier Sports Cup, taking maximum points from their opening three games, scoring seven and only conceding one. They put in a wholly-professional performance on Tuesday night against Group G’s bottom seeds, Albion Rovers, running out as 4-0 winners on the night. Full-back Harper was by far and away the stand-out performer on the park, constantly flying up the left-hand side and causing the Wee Rovers’ backline issues. With an assist and two goals (one of which was a stunning free kick) Harper is the TOTR Star Man!
MID – Tony Wallace (Annan Athletic)
The task for the Galabankies on Tuesday night was simple. A point would be enough to see them become the first League 2 side to reach the 2nd round of the Premier Sports Cup since the introduction of the group stage in 2016/17. Opponents Ayr United made it difficult, taking the lead after 71 minutes and holding it until the fifth minute of added time. Annan won a penalty right at the death and Tony Wallace was the coolest man in the stadium. He stepped up and slotted it in the top corner, sending his team through and sending Galabank into raptures. For that reason, he’s our pick!
MID – Robbie McNab (Kelty Hearts)
Kelty faced a difficult trip up north to visit Championship new boys Cove Rangers in midweek. However, John Potter’s men acquitted themselves well and came away from Aberdeen with a 3-2 win, their first of the season. There were a few impressive Kelty performances, in what was a competitive match. But we’ve gone for McNab who scored one and assisted another from midfield. The competition for starting places in the Maroon Machine’s midfield/attack is fierce, and McNab’s performance will put him right in contention for the start of the league campaign.
MID – Vicente Besuijen (Aberdeen)
The Dons maintained their 100% record in Group A with a 5-0 thrashing of Stirling Albion at Forthbank on Tuesday. Relishing a new role in the number 10 position, Vicente Besuijen was the best player on the park for Jim Goodwin’s side. Relentlessly looking for the ball and trying to make things happen, Besuijen is the type of player who can turn a game on its head with his pace, trickery, and eye for goal. He found the net twice in midweek and was unlucky not to have a third as he caused the Binos’ defence all sorts of issues.
MID – Cole McKinnon (Partick Thistle)
Ian McCall’s Jags are in pole position heading into their final Group B game after beating Highland League side Fraserburgh 2-0 at Firhill in midweek. A Bryan Hay own goal and a cool, second-half finish from Brian Graham was enough to give the Jags all three points in a game they controlled from start to finish. Loanee Cole McKinnon made his first start for Thistle and impressed on his full debut, picking up the MOTM award for his display in central midfield. A classy ball player who isn’t afraid to get stuck in, McKinnon is one to watch in the Championship this season!
MID – Euan O’Reilly (Stenhousemuir)
The Warriors have impressed so far in Group B, winning two of their opening three games and giving themselves a fighting chance heading into their final fixture. Stephen Swift’s side travelled to Links Park to face a well-organised Montrose outfit who have been one of the country’s best part-time teams for the past few years. Stenny, however, more than matched their opponents and fully merited their 2-0 victory on the road. Euan O’Reilly continues to be one of the lower leagues’ most exciting and productive wingers. He scored both second-half goals for his side and is well worthy of his TOTR inclusion!
FWD – John Robertson (FC Edinburgh)
Newly re-named FC Edinburgh had a difficult first outing at a new-look Meadowbank on Saturday. But they put in a fine performance at their new home on Wednesday night, beating Lowland League side Cowdenbeath 3-0 to take their Group E tally to five points, with one game left to play. Forward Robertson was the best player on the park for the home side. He scored a pair of first-half goals and set up Ryan Shanley for his side’s third to ensure all three points remained in the capital.
