Kofi Balmer hopes Motherwell can use their opening Premier Sports Cup win over Edinburgh City to build momentum into the new season.

Former Northern Ireland Under-21 centre-back Balmer was making first competitive appearance for Motherwell following a summer move from Crystal Palace and headed in the opening goal at Fir Park from a corner just before half-time.

Dan Casey and Stephen O’Donnell further extended Well’s advantage in the second half to put the match beyond fourth-tier City.

Motherwell head for Montrose for their next Group G fixture on Tuesday night.

Balmer is confident Stuart Kettlewell’s squad can use the display against Edinburgh to kick on.

“In the changing room we had talked about the need to get off to a good start,” Balmer said in an interview with Motherwell club media.

“We have done that, now we just have to kick on and keep it up.

“The match on Tuesday will keep us fit and ready. We just have to keep the momentum going.”