UP FOR THE CUP

Premier Sports Cup group stage draw in FULL as Premiership giants Hibs and Aberdeen learn fate

It's an early start to the season for 40 teams

THE domestic Scottish football season ended just a matter of days ago - but there's no rest for the wicked.

We've just learned who will be facing who in NEXT season's Premier Sports Cup.

Once again, the competition will get off and running in mid-July with the group stage.

And once again, that means an early start to the season for a number of Scottish Premiership clubs - including big guns such as Hibs and Aberdeen.

The draw for the first round has just been made and some big ties are ahead.

Ross County are pitted together with Raith Rovers, who they just overcame in the Premiership Play-off.

What are the first round groups?

Group A: Aberdeen, Airdrieonians, Queen of the South, Dumbarton, East Kilbride
Group B: Dundee Utd, Ayr Utd, Falkirk, Stenhousemuir, Buckie Thistle
Group C: Hibs, Queen's Park, Kelty Hearts, Peterhead, Elgin City
Group D: Dundee, Inverness CT, Arbroath, Annan Athletic, Bonnyrigg Rose
Group E: Livingston, Dunfermline, Cove Rangers, The Spartans, Forfar Athletic
Group F: St Johnstone, Morton, Alloa Athletic, East Fife, Brechin City
Group G: Motherwell, Partick Thistle, Montrose, Edinburgh City, Clyde
Group H: Ross County, Raith Rovers, Hamilton, Stirling Albion, Stranraer

37 clubs from the SPFL (Premiership, Championship, League One and League Two enter at this stage)
They are joined by Highland League champions Buckie Thistle and Lowland League champions East Kilbride
Highland League runners-up Brechin City are also taking part
Premiership clubs competing in Europe (Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Kilmarnock and St Mirren) DO NOT enterthe competition at this stage
The 40 teams were split into five pots each containing eight teams - but the draw isn't regionalised.
One club from each pot was drawn into the eight groups A to H - with Each team will play the other teams in their group once only

The first matchday will take place on the weekend of July 13/14
This will be followed by games on the midweek of July 16/17, weekend of July 20/21 and midweek of July 23/24
The Premier Sports Cup group stage will conclude on July 27/28
The eight group winners will advance to the second round and will be joined by the three best runners-up

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