Raith Rovers get another cup crack at Livingston

Regan Hendry on the ball against Livingston last season (Pic: Scott Louden)

The Stark’s Park side gave a good account of themselves when they took the Premiership side to extra-time in the Scottish Cup last season.

They will get the chance for another crack at David Martindale’s men when they meet in the newly-named Premier Sports Cup which kicks off in July, as well as a Kingdom derby to look forward to.

Back in April Raith took the lead against Livi in the first half through a superb Lewis Vaughan free kick before eventually losing out narrowly by 2-1, the Lions grabbing a late winner in the second half of extra-time at the Tony Macaroni Arena.

The two sides have now been drawn in Group D along with Alloa Athletic, Brechin City and Raith’s Fife rivals Cowdenbeath, who they met at the same stage in the competition last season.

The dates for the ties are; Saturday, July 10: Cowdenbeath v Raith Rovers 3pm, Tuesday, July 13: Raith Rovers v Brechin City, 7.45pm, Wednesday, July 21: Livingston v Raith Rovers, 7.45pm and Saturday, July 24: Raith Rovers v Alloa Athletic, 3pm.

This season’s format will see three points for a win and one point for a draw.

Drawn matches in the group stage go straight to a penalty shoot-out, with the winners awarded a bonus point.

The eight group winners and three best runners-up will join European qualifiers Rangers, Celtic, Hibernian, Aberdeen and current cup holders St Johnstone in the last 16.