No fun in the sun for Binos

Accies punish home side in sweltering season opener

- STUART MCFARLANE

A strong second half display secured three points for Accies as Stirling fell to defeat in their season curtain-raiser.

Four of Alan Maybury's summer arrivals made the starting 11, with the returning Lee Hamilton taking the captain's armband and being joined in making his latest debut alongside Kyle Banner, Ross Cunningham and Russell McLean.

A competitive opening 45 minutes had offered hope of a mini-upset in the early-season cup competition, but two goals in six minutes from Connor Smith and a Russell McLean own goal ensured the points left with the disgruntled away support - protesting in their first match since the club's move to Cumbernauld.

Both sides traded possession in the early stages as the teams adjusted to the sweltering conditions at Forthbank.

The first real opening of the game was a self-inflicted one, with Stirling's trialist wing-back playing the ball straight to Kevin O'Hara, but the local boy didn't add to his prolific tally against Albion on this occasion with a scuffed finish.

Former Accies kid Ross Cunningham was first to go close for the home side, picking the ball up on the edge of the Hamilton area before driving a half-volley over the top.

The summer arrival from Kelty had an even better chance minutes later when Russell McLean flicked a neat ball into Cunningham's path but he fired wide from 16 yards.