Summer signings David Babunski (left) and Kristijan Trapanovski (centre) both scored
Dundee United's Premier Sports Cup fate hangs in the balance despite a commanding five-goal win away to Highland League champions Buckie Thistle.
A double from Kristijan Trapanovski, a pair of Kevin Holt penalties and a tidy David Babunski finish proved the visitors were comfortable in front of goal.
But twice their defence was breached on a night on which they needed to boost their goal difference.
Joe McCabe netted for the hosts before Jack MacIver also scored from the penalty spot.
Jim Goodwin's side have amassed a nine-point tally, but they will not know if that is enough to avoid back-to-back League Cup group-stage exits until close of play on Saturday.
If Falkirk beat Stenhousemuir on home soil on Saturday in their local derby, they will leapfrog United into top spot again.
Ayr United - who defeated Stenhousemuir 4-1 at Ochilview on Tuesday - will also overtake United if they beat Buckie by a margin of three goals at Somerset Park.
