ROSS County, winners of this competition in 2016, are through to the last 16 after an odd start to their game at Alloa.
Referee Greg Aitken was unable to oversee the match after pulling out at short notice because of a personal matter and with no fourth official in the Bedfred Cup, a replacement had to be found from somewhere. The match ultimately went ahead, albeit 17 minutes late, as assistant Ryan Lee took charge.
Locally-based official Stuart Johnson was called in to replace Lee on the touchline but there had been talk of the game going ahead without anyone running either line which is within the rules.
Callum Morris and Harrison Parton scored County’s goals in their 2-0 win which meant they won the group.
St Johnstone, Dunfermline, Ayr United, Livingston and Kilmarnock also won their groups with Dundee, Queen of the South and St Mirren confirmed as among the best second-placed teams.
Lewis Spence and Paul McGowan were on the scoresheet for Dundee in their 2-0 win over Brechin City to ensure they progressed to the knock-out stage.
Tony Watt scored again for St Johnstone who won 3-1 at Forfar. David McMillan and Matthew Kennedy also scored for the Perth men, with Jon Baird replying for the home side.
But Hamilton, who still had a slim chance of qualification, are out after drawing 1-1 with local rivals Airdrie. They at least had the consolation of winning the shoot-out 3-1 with Rakish Bingham scoring the vital penalty.
Dunfermline had to come from behind against Stirling Albion to claim the win which sees them triumph in Group D.
Peter MacDonald had the Albion ahead at the interval but Myles Hippolyte netted either side of a James Vincent header as the Pars responded in the second half.
Dundee United's awful start was halted, for one week, as they won 4-0 at Elgin City thanks to Nicky Clark's double, Adam Barton's penalty and Declan Glass.
Cove Rangers of the Highland League beat Raith Rovers of League Two 2-0 with Daniel Park and Jamie Mason sharing the goals.
And Livingston's strong start continued. Jack Hamilton and Jack McMillan were on target as they beat Berwick Rangers 2-0.
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