Scottish club in League Two, Falkirk area
Motherwell’s Zlatan Johansson has stayed with the club until at least January 2027 after a disrupted pre-season due to a jaw injury. He has netted twice and provided two assists in 11 appearances this season as manager Johansson says the squad is in good shape and focused on building fitness and team relationships during the upcoming fixtures.
Hearts are unbeaten in eight, and travel to Ochilview to play Stenny in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final. Manager Vrancken stresses no excuses as the team confronts an unfamiliar surface and a credible underdog. Stenhousemuir lead the Championship and seek a first major semi-final, with Bartley insisting on clarity and structure.
Aberdeen, Rangers, Hibs and Hearts advance to the Scottish Cup semis after a weekend of quarter-final wins and penalties, with Hampden hosting the final rounds on the weekend of Oct 31–Nov 1.