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A Marcus Fraser volley sent Premiership side Ross County on their way to a 2-0 victory over League One Alloa Athletic in their Betfred Cup Group D opener.
The defender's sweet strike was added to by Craig Curran as the Dingwall team began with a win.
The Staggies, who were the 2015 winners of the competition, were killed off by the Wasps a year ago as they finished third in their section behind them and Raith Rovers and that had been in the mind of manager Jim McIntyre this week in the build-up to this tie.
The Staggies, boosted by the return of Curran from a head knock, almost nudged in front on 23 minutes when ex-St Mirren defender Sean Kelly, on his competitive debut, swept a free-kick just wide.
Alloa keeper Craig McDowall then had to be alert to turn an in-swinging Michael Gardyne corner around his near post before home skipper Andrew Davies headed over from the follow-up set-piece.
Athletic were playing neat football, but lacked the cutting edge to really ask questions of their top-flight hosts.
The opener arrived on 40 minutes when Fraser crashed an unstoppable volley high into the net when he connected with a Gardyne corner.
The clinching second goal came on 69 minutes when Curran pounced to score after McDowall firstly denied him in the box.
Sub Adam Martin came closest to getting Alloa on the scoresheet, but the Staggies held firm to earn the win.
County head to League One Montrose on Tuesday, while Alloa will look to get points on the board when they host fellow League One opponents Arbroath.
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