Ruari Paton scored St Johnstone's second goal against Linlithgow RoseImage source, SNS
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Ruari Paton scored St Johnstone's second goal against Linlithgow Rose

First-half goals from Kai Fotheringham and Ruari Paton helped St Johnstone make a winning start to their Scottish League Cup group-stage campaign with an away victory against Linlithgow Rose.

Fotheringham had the ball in the back of the net for Simo Valakari's side after just eight minutes as he prodded in from close range having gone close to an opener minutes before.

Paton doubled Saints' advantage on the half-hour mark, also with a strike from close range.

Liam Smith thought he had added a third in the second half, but the goal was disallowed for an offside offence.

The win puts St Johnstone second in Group F, one point behind East Fife, who have played a game more than the Perth club.