By Stuart McFarlane

Copyright dailyrecord

It was the cruellest conclusion for Stirling Albion as they succumbed to a last-gasp cup defeat in the Highlands – but boss Alan Maybury insists his side’s display merited much more. The visitors had taken the lead in fantastic fashion courtesy of Ross Cunningham’s piledriver, before Chanka Zimba levelled for Inverness Caley three minutes later. A combination of desperate defending and fine goalkeeping from Robert Duffy in the Stirling goal helped repel the confident hosts, who played the conclusion of the half with a man advantage after Albion’s Stewart Murdoch was sent off for a late challenge. But Liam Sole was to twist the knife four minutes into added time with a corner delivery which floated straight into the net and ensure Stirling gained no more ground in the KDM Evolution Trophy league phase. Maybury said his side gave everything – and was left critical of the circumstances around the home side’s winner. The Irishman said: “I can’t be more proud of the players, I think we’ve done really well, scored an unbelievable goal and our goalkeeper has had the night of his life with some saves that he had no right to make really. “We defended really well and we get given a red card that I’m not sure is one, but we just rolled up our sleeves and showed a bit of fight and character because there’s not a lot we can do as coaches on the side. “There’s an offside which we play on through, a goal kick which is a corner and then a foul on the goalkeeper and we just keep playing until we lose the game. “There’s nothing we could have done in that last 20 minutes more than we did and we deserved at least a point to take back.” Maybury is happy to take the positives ahead of another long trip north this weekend, this time on League Two business against an Elgin City side struggling to get going this season. One of the points of encouragement for the Binos was the first goal for summer arrival Cunningham, who had been left without a goal after joining as League One’s joint top scorer last season. His curler from 20 yards attracted shock around the Caledonian Stadium – and he could have more to his total with chances throughout the game. Maybury added: “We started the game really well and had the first three of four shots; we were aggressive and had a good shape about us until we drifted off at the end of the first half where we became a little passive. “Ross was getting frustrated about not getting the goals as quickly as last season, but he’s found his shooting boots now for sure. “I was disappointed with the first goal in terms of having players back there, but their player just beats ours on the wing. “There were so many positives though from the night and we didn’t deserve what we got.”