Falkirk humble Dundee United with goals from Dylan Tait and Ross MacIver

Premiership new boys Dundee United suffered a demoralising start to the season as they crashed to a 2-0 defeat away to Championship side Falkirk in the opening round of Premier Sports Cup group-stage fixtures.

The Tangerines, who kick-off their top-flight campaign in three weeks after winning promotion last term, went down to second-half goals from Bairns pair Dylan Tait and Ross MacIver.

United’s struggles were in stark contrast to their top-flight rivals Aberdeen, Hibernian, Dundee, Motherwell, Ross County and St Johnstone, all of whom enjoyed comfortable victories over their respective lower-league opponents.

Aberdeen striker Ester Sokler stepped up in the absence of fellow forwards Bojan Miovski and Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes to score a double as new manager Jimmy Thelin enjoyed a 3-0 win away to Queen of the South in his first game in charge.

Duk missed out due to disciplinary reasons while Miovski was left out amid intense speculation that he is set to exit Pittodrie. However, Sokler came to the fore and netted two first-half goals either side of a strike from Graeme Shinnie.

Dylan Vente hit a hat-trick as David Gray’s reign as Hibs manager began with a comprehensive 5-0 win away to League Two Elgin City.

The Dutch forward netted a first-half double and then sealed the victory with his side’s fifth following a debut goal from defender Marvin Ekpiteta and a Martin Boyle strike.

There was also a treble for Curtis Main as Dundee – who were three goals up after 17 minutes – cruised to a 7-1 victory over League Two Bonnyrigg Rose at New Dundas Park. Lyall Cameron scored twice while Juan Portales and Ryan Astley were also on target for Tony Docherty’s side.

Kofi Balmer marked his first competitive game for Motherwell by setting them on their way to a 3-0 home win over fourth-tier Edinburgh City, with Dan Casey and Stephen O’Donnell netting after the break.

St Johnstone also had a debutant scorer in their 2-1 win away to Highland League side Brechin as former Notts County centre-back Kyle Cameron added to Graham Carey’s opener at Glebe Park before the hosts grabbed a consolation goal in stoppage time.

Jordan White notched a first-half double to put Ross County on course for a 3-1 victory at League Two Stranraer. Eamonn Brophy added the Staggies’ third in the closing stages after Deryn Lang pulled one back for the hosts.

Livingston, relegated from the Premiership last term, enjoyed a 2-0 victory away to Forfar, while Partick Thistle came from behind to beat Montrose 3-2 at Firhill.

Crisis-hit Inverness suffered more misery as they lost 1-0 away to new League One rivals Annan, while Queen’s Park coasted to a 5-0 win at Peterhead and Stenhousemuir thrashed Buckie 4-0.

East Kilbride defeated Dumbarton on penalties while Fife trio Dunfermline, East Fife and Raith Rovers all eased to 3-0 victories over The Spartans, Morton and Stirling Albion.