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Scott Pittman put Livingston on the way to victory at Airdrie with their opening goal

Livingston player-manager Kenny Miller hopes to make several new signings in the next fortnight after starting his tenure with victory at Airdrieonians.

Two goals within a minute from Scott Pitman and Lee Miller put Livi in control in their League Cup opener.

Darryl Duffy pulled a goal back for League One Airdrie, but Livi held on.

In the other game in Group F, League Two outfit Annan Athletic upset Premiership side Hamilton Academical 1-0, Aidan Smith grabbing the only goal.

Smith's winner on the hour at Galabank put a dent in Accies' hopes of progressing from the group stage.

Kenny Miller played the whole game for Livingston in their first competitive outing since he took over at the West Lothian club two weeks ago, picking up a late booking for a late challenge on Airdrie's Scott Stewart.

The former Rangers striker maintains they are "a few bodies light" as they prepare for their first top-flight campaign since 2006.

"We are working hard behind the scenes to get players in at the level we want," he told BBC Scotland.

Kenny Miller came close to scoring several times for Livingston at Airdrie

"Every penny is a prisoner; you need to make sure you spend it wisely. We are working on getting the right kind of characters to fit into the group.

"Hopefully we will see another few new faces in the next couple of weeks."

Groups C & D round-upGroups A & B round-upGroups E, G & H round-up

With Livingston joining Hamilton Academcial and Kilmarnock among Premiership clubs in installing a synthetic pitch at the Tony Macaroni Arena for the new season, Miller admits he will need to balance his playing commitments with his management role.

"It will be a consideration," he said. "I am 38 so I appreciate when it come to different surfaces, and sometimes when you are jumping from astro [turf] to grass, it can affect the body. I have had a bit of experience of that in the MLS [in the United States].

"It will definitely come into the equation throughout the season, especially when you are playing Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday.

"But I feel good. I have had a couple of weeks' training and feel decent enough."

'We have a bit of work to do' - Accies boss Canning

Fellow Premiership side Hamilton - who included five debutants - hit the frame of the goal twice but were far from their best as they slipped to defeat against fourth-tier opponents.

"(It was a) typical first game for us," said manager Martin Canning. "It's always difficult when you come away in the first game and with a lot of new players as well.

Aidan Smith (far left) scores for Anna against Hamilton

"We shouldn't concede from a set-piece and we didn't do enough with a couple of opportunities.

"We have a bit of work to do in terms of new players and gelling and we need games to do that.

"It was only our third game and I've no doubt we can do that before the start of the season."

Despite the win and a solid performance from his players, Annan boss Peter Murphy downplayed the victory.

"I'm not sure it was totally deserved," he said. "I thought we played very well against a strong side.

"They hit the post but we started well in the first 15 minutes and there was a reaction from them.

"I don't feel they created a lot. It was an excellent team performance and to nick a 1-0 win in the first game of the season is brilliant from my team."

Results

Group F

Airdieonians 1-2 Livingston

Annan Athletic 1-0 Hamilton Academical

Source: bbc.com

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