Stirling 0-0 Inverness CT

Inverness' Scottish Cup defence started in frustrating fashion with a tame 0-0 draw against Stirling.

Last year's winners were below par and could not break down a spirited home side, whom they will welcome to Inverness for a replay on Tuesday week.

The visitors peppered the area with crosses, but to no effect, giving Stirling a second chance to spring a fourth-round shock.

The hosts made three changes from the side that lost to East Stirlingshire a week ago. Ross McGeachie, Mark Lamont and David Verlaque dropped to the bench, with Ross Smith, Craig Comrie and Phil Johnston coming in.

The Caley Jags made two changes, the injured James Vincent and Carl Tremarco (suspended) replaced by Iain Vigurs and Danny Williams. New signing Alex Fisher was on the bench.

Victorious in their last meeting against Stirling, at the same stage of this competition nine years ago, Inverness started the brighter, with Danny Williams finding a lot of space down the left flank.

His one-two with Liam Polworth and close-range effort drew Chris Smith quickly from his line eight minutes in.

Stirling allowed their opponents possession at a safe distance as Inverness struggled to fashion a clear opening.

Greg Tansey belted a 30-yard free kick over, but Chris Smith's goal remained untroubled as half-time approached.

John Hughes' side had a faint penalty appeal turned down before the the break as Gary Warren, trying to get on the end of Polworth's ball, went down after tangling with McGeachie.

Fisher came on at the start of the second half in place of the ineffective Wedderburn, but it was the home side who had the first sniff of goal. Phil Johnston's ball into the middle found Darren Smith, but he lacked composure, blazing the ball over the top.

Caley Thistle should have been ahead before the hour mark.

Danny Devine headed Tansey's corner downward at Chris Smith and he could only parry the ball away, leaving Miles Storey and Warren with an opportunity to finish. However, neither could capitalise and the hosts scrambled it clear.

The hosts were starting to come in the game more and, after Chris Smith had done well to hold Fisher's effort, it was their turn to go for goal as Darren Smith forced Owain Fon Williams to parry.

Ross Smith then escaped with a booking after cynically fouling Williams.

Sean Dickson nearly caused a shock in the final 10 minutes as he saw his shot blocked by the face of Warren, while at the other end Tansey could only turn Fisher's cross over the bar as the game wound down.