Tawanda Maswanhise stole the show with two late goals as Motherwell secured their passage into the Premier Sports Cup second round with a 3-0 victory over Morton.

The Steelmen moved five points clear of Dougie Imrie’s side, who retain hopes of a best runners-up spot.

Motherwell produced some good passages of play in and around the Morton box in the first half but had a major let-off when Paul McGinn felled Tomi Adeloye as the Morton striker was bearing down on goal. Referee Ryan Lee ruled McGinn got the ball, although he appeared to get the man first.

The breakthrough came in the 52nd minute. James Storer brilliantly pushed a Johnny Koutroumbis shot up and on to the bar before Apostolos Stamatelopoulos bundled the ball over the line.

Morton pressed for an equaliser but Maswanhise collected Liam Gordon’s through-ball and slotted home in the 83rd minute before curling into the top corner from 25 yards in stoppage time for his fourth goal of the new season.

Ethan Ross hit a double as Falkirk came from behind to beat Queen’s Park 3-1 and move top of Group A.

The William Hill Premiership newcomers fell behind in the 14th minute when Josh Fowler netted following a set-piece.

Ross scored on the rebound three minutes before the break after Calvin Miller’s shot was saved and then headed home five minutes after the interval.

Brian Graham grabbed his first Falkirk goal in the 87th minute after Scott Arfield’s deflected shot fell into his path.

Cove Rangers are a point behind the Bairns ahead of their final games after David Eguaibor hit a double in a 3-0 win at Brechin.

Kilmarnock were held to a goalless draw at Kelty Hearts but they remain a point ahead of both Livingston and East Fife in Group H after losing the penalty shoot-out. Killie next host the Fifers, who beat Brora Rangers 3-0 thanks to Nathan Austin’s opener and an Alan Trouten double.

Ronan Hale hit a hat-trick as Ross County thrashed Edinburgh City 8-0 but Partick Thistle remain two points clear ahead of their trip to Dingwall on Saturday. First-half goals from Aidan Fitzpatrick and Tsoanelo Letsosa earned the Jags a 2-0 victory over Queen of the South.

Dundee left it late to record a first win under Steven Pressley as they beat Bonnyrigg Rose 3-1, although they cannot progress. Clark Robertson’s opener was cancelled by Cameron Ross but the visitors struck twice in the final four minutes through Emile Acquah and Billy Koumetio.

First-half goals from Dom Thomas, Curtis Main and George Oakley saw Ayr beat Forfar 3-0 and move two points ahead of St Mirren ahead of the Group D decider in Paisley on Sunday.

A Lee Kilday own goal earned Dunfermline a 2-1 win over Hamilton and kept alive their hopes of progress behind Group E leaders Hearts, who can maintain their perfect record against Dumbarton on Wednesday.

St Johnstone are in control of Group F after goals from Jamie Gullan, Josh McPake and Makenzie Kirk earned a 3-1 win over Raith Rovers. The Perth side are three points ahead of Inverness, who thrashed East Kilbride 6-2.