Scottish Cup holders Caley Thistle were held to a 0-0 draw by League 2 side Stirling Albion at Forthbank.
It was a frustrating afternoon for the Highlanders, who were matched by their part-time opposition, who created some good opportunities to win the game themselves in the second-half.
Caley Thistle made two enforced changes from the side that triumphed 2-0 in the previous weekend’s Highland derby against Ross County. Defender Carl Tremarco was ruled out through suspension, having been sent off in last year’s final against Falkirk, while the winning goalscorer in that match, James Vincent, missed out with a knee injury. The pair were replaced by Danny Williams and Iain Vigurs, while former Torquay United attacker Alex Fisher was signed in time to take his place on the bench.
Inverness were quicker off the mark, and created the first clear-cut chance of the match when Williams was put clean through following a neat one-two with Liam Polworth, but the Englishman’s attempt from 10 yards was blocked by the legs of goalkeeper Wallace Smith.
The hosts were dealt an early blow, when defender Kevin McKinlay was carried off after injuring himself when stretching for the ball, with Ross McGeachie his replacement after just 12 minutes.
Caley Jags continued to enjoy the greater share of possession but had little to show for their efforts, with Greg Tansey’s free-kick and Danny Williams’ long-range effort both well off target.
Manager John Hughes made a tactical change at half-time, bringing on attacker Fisher for his debut, in place of midfielder Nat Wedderburn who proved ineffective.
The visitors looked to step up the pressure at the start of the second-half, with Vigurs’ free-kick bouncing beyond the grasp of Danny Devine at the far post.
The Binos were still well in the tie however, and on 52 minutes they created their first clear-cut opportunity when Phil Johnston picked out Darren Smith, but his shot on the turn drifted over.
Inverness created a fine chance five minutes later, when Greg Tansey’s corner was headed down by Danny Devine, but leading scorer Miles Storey could not squeeze the ball home from close-range.
The best opportunity for the visitors in the second-half fell to debutant Fisher, but his low strike from just inside the box was well gathered by Smith.
The home side grew in belief, and Darren Smith had an attempt that forced Owain Fon Williams to make a smart save, before Sean Dickson’s strike was blocked by Inverness skipper Gary Warren.
Caley Jags’ nearest late attempt came when substitute Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo struck straight at Smith after cutting in from the left, but the Highlanders must do it all again at Caledonian Stadium on January 19.