Hearts finish Premier Sports Cup group campaign with 100% record

Hearts finished off their League Cup group campaign with a fourth four-goal victory.

Derek McInnes saw his side secure progress to the second round – almost certainly as one of the seeded teams – with a 4-0 triumph over Dumbarton.

Lawrence Shankland headed the opener in the 17th minute from Stephen Kingsley’s cross and Michael Steinwender headed home from a corner seconds before the half-time whistle.

Scott Tomlinson almost stunned the home support in the opening seconds of the second half when he hit the bar from a tight angle after robbing Kingsley of possession near the corner flag.

But Hearts were soon back in control and Alexandros Kyziridis scored his second goal in as many games as the winger jinked his way into the box before sending an angled drive just inside the far post.

Claudio Braga then converted Cammy Devlin’s cutback in the 72nd minute to move Hearts on to a goal difference of 11 and ensure they will be the only top-flight side to boast a perfect record in the group stage.

Championship Airdrie continued their 100 per cent record with a 2-1 victory over Montrose to move above Alloa on goal difference in Group C.

The group will be decided on Saturday when Alloa visit Lanarkshire in a winner-takes-all tie.

The Diamonds opened the scoring in the 56th minute at Gayfield when Euan Henderson’s cross found its way into the net.

The visitors doubled their lead six minutes later when Lewis McGrattan knocked the ball home after Henderson was brought down as he looked set to convert the rebound from his own saved shot.

Ewan Loudon pulled one back with nine minutes left, but Airdrie held on.