Stirling Albion:- Hogarth, Hay (Taggart 55), Forsyth, McNally, Graham, Aitken, Bell, Fraser, Cramb, Tomana (Wilson 55) and O’Brien (Devine 77). Subs Not Used:- Christie and Malseed

Inverness Caledonian Thistle:- Brown, Tokely (McCaffery 53), Dods, McBain, Wilson (Morgan 67), Bayne (McAllister 62), Duncan, Munro, Dargo, Wyness and Rankin. Subs Not Used:- Fraser and Black

Inverness Caledonian Thistle are used to being involved in cup upsets, usually dishing them out, but they made sure that they were not on the receiving end as they comprehensively beat the Binos 6-1 to book their place in the next round of the Scottish Cup. Perhaps the minute’s silence before the game to mark the death of Albion director, Duncan McGregor, set the tone for the Binos’ performance as they failed to reach the standard which has taken them to second place in the Second Division. However, credit must go to Caley Thistle as they set about their task in a most professional manner.

The Binos starting line up showed three changes from the New Year match. Fraser replaced the injured Cashmore while Forsyth and Hogarth, free from suspension, came back into the team at the expense of Christie and Devine who dropped to the bench.. Malseed took Fraser’s place on the bench.

A healthy crowd of over 1500 witnessed Caley Thistle’s first visit to Forthbank in almost 8 years. At that time, both clubs were in the Second Division, but the former Highland League club has performed a minor miracle and are now established in the SPL.

The visitors raised into an early 2 goal lead. The first goal came after 8 minutes when a mistake by Hay allowed the ball to be crossed into the 6 yard box and, although Hogarth managed to get his feet to the ball, it hit off Dargo and ended up in the back of the net. 5 minutes later, it was 2-0 when a Wyness shot from 20 yards beat Hogarth.

The Binos did threaten to make a match of it 2 minutes later when Fraser slipped the ball to O’Brien who coolly slotted the ball past Brown. However, Caley Thistle quickly restored their 2 goal advantage when McBain scored from a rebound.

Fraser was unfortunate to see a long range effort crash off the bar but, just before half time, Caley Thistle made it 4-1 when Dargo took advantage of seeing Hogarth off his line, and sent a neat lob from 20 yards over the keeper and into the back of the net.

The half time discussion focused on damage limitation though it was hoped that the Binos would show more fight in the second half. However, any thoughts of a dramatic comeback were dispelled after only 2 minutes when Caley Thistle scored number 5 with Wilson’s 25 yard shot going in off the post. The visitors continued to press and Wilson shot wide following a good build up with Dargo whilst a Bayne effort hit the post.

Substitute Morgan completed the scoring in the 69th minute when he cut in from the right and beat Hogarth at the keeper’s near post. The Binos tried to rally near the end and Wilson had two opportunities to score. Firstly, he forced Brown into producing a fine save when he was on the end of a Bell knock down. Seconds later, he was just wide wit another effort.

The 4th official indicated to the crowd that there would be 2 minutes of added time but the final whilstle couldn’t come quickly enough for the Binos’ fans who had stayed to the bitter end.

The 6-1 scoreline didn’t flatter Caley Thistle as too many Binos’players failed to raise their game sufficiently and only Forsyth is worthy of pass marks. The performance highlights the need for a striker to come in and support Cramb who isn’t capable of playing the lone striker role. The major disappointment is that, once again, the Binos have failed to perform in front of a big crowd, many of whom hadn’t seen the Binos for a long time.

It is now up to the players to put today’s performance behind them and concentrate on trying to catch Morton who they play in 2 week’s time. Next up is the visit of Raith Rovers to Forthbank. Hopefully, I will see a lot of you at that match.