Ray McKinnon saw first-hand just how difficult his task will be to turn Falkirk around as the four-times winners crashed out of the Irn-Bru Cup 1-0 at home to Connah's Quay Nomads.
Michael Wilde headed the only goal early in the second half and Falkirk could not muster too much in response as the Welsh side secured a third-round place.
"The players showed a great attitude and gave me everything to get back in the game, so there are plenty of positives to work on even though we lost again," McKinnon assessed.
"The league is the most important thing for us, but I needed to see the players and see what the squad has to offer."
Elsewhere, Brian Graham struck four first-half goals as Ross County eased to a 5-0 home win over Raith Rovers, the other goal coming from a Jamie Lindsay header, also before half-time.
Alloa Athletic beat Dundee United 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw at Tannadice. Matt Smith had given United a first-half lead before Alan Trouten equalised from the penalty spot.
Dunfermline Athletic also booked their third round slot after a penalty shoot-out, this time 6-5 at Boreham Wood after a 0-0 draw.
Stephen Dobbie took his goal tally to 20 with a double as Queen of the South held off Crusaders 4-3 at Palmerston Park after leading 4-0 at half-time.
Lyndon Dykes and Gary Harkins also netted but it was an uncomfortable second half for the Dumfries side with Crusaders clawing their way back through a Rory Patterson double and Paul Heatley late on.
Arbroath saw off Annan Athletic 3-0. Bobby Linn gave Arbroath an early lead and Danny Denholm doubled their advantage in the second half before Omar Kader completed the scoring.
Montrose won 1-0 at Dumbarton. Craig Johnston opened the scoring when he headed Montrose in front after 19 minutes and Ross Forbes came close to an equaliser midway through the second half when his shot struck the post. Andy Little headed off the crossbar but Montrose held on.
Alan Smith scored two late goals as Edinburgh City edged East Kilbride 3-2. Blair Henderson gave Edinburgh City a half-time lead but East Kilbride hit back in the second half through Ross McNeill and Craig Malcolm before Smith intervened.
Peterhead lost 1-0 at home to Bohemians with Kevin Devaney scoring the only goal and St Mirren Under-21s beat Hamilton Academical Under-21 3-2 with Max Potter scoring the decisive goal.
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