A BIG BOOST FOR BINOS AFTER PREMIER DEFEAT

Maybury still confident after cup group loss against Accies

- STUART MCFARLANE

Forthbank was bathed in the summer sunshine for Stirling Albion's competitive opener on Saturday ... and boss Alan Maybury insists the outlook for his side is still bright despite defeat.

The Binos fell to a 2-0 loss against Hamilton Accies in a tight Premier Sports Cup Group E contest, with Hamilton pulling away in the second half due to an excellent Connor Smith strike followed up by a Russell McLean own goal.

Despite the expectations before kickoff-with Hamilton expected to be among the favourites to bounce straight back up to the Championship - Stirling were very much in the game until and even beyond Smith's opener.

Maybury bemoaned some key opportunities that went begging for his side in potentially securing a result, but praised his players' commitment in blazing hot conditions.

The Irishman said: "I think there was nothing in the game, to be honest.