Match Report - By Steven Mew

A first goal in Brechin colours for defender Brad McKay was enough to earn all three points at Turriff yesterday afternoon and in turn extended City’s unbeaten start to the Highland League season.

It was a game that City dominated, but had to dig deep against a hard-working Turriff United side with home keeper Lee Herbert in inspired form.

Captain Euan Spark returned to the side following suspension, whilst Scott Logan also came in to the starting 11 as Manager Patrick Cregg made two changes from the side that defeated Newtongrange Star in the Scottish Cup last weekend.

The visitors started the game brightly with Fraser MacLeod shooting over within the opening 60 seconds following some neat play from Scott and Loudon to set up the opportunity.

On 5 minutes Herbert made a tremendous save down low to tip round a shot from Marc Scott which had looked destined for the corner. Shortly after, Scott Logan fired an effort just wide of the post from the edge of the box.

Midway through the half, there were some appeals for a penalty when Logan went down under the challenge of the goalkeeper, however the referee wasn’t interested in the claims. Play continued with Seth Patrick placing a shot over from 20 yards.

With 35 minutes on the clock, Logan threatened again when he was denied by Herbert at his near post and from the resulting corner, the home keeper made another save at his near post to keep out a header from Brad McKay.

As half time approached, City continued to press for the opening goal with Ewan Loudon shooting over and McKay was causing problems in the air again as his header forced Herbert into a fine save again on the stroke of half time.

Within a minute of the second half restart, Scott Logan played a neat ball through for Marc Scott to run through on goal but his fierce left-footed strike was palmed away by the Turriff keeper.

On 51 minutes Fraser MacLeod cut the ball back inside the box for Lewis Martin who snatched at the shot and the ball was easily gathered by Herbert. Macleod himself would threaten shortly after when he flicked into the side netting from Marc Scott’s delivery.

City pushed more men forward in search of the opener – Kevin McHattie had two vicious looking strikes blocked by the home defence whilst Marc Scott guided a shot inches wide of the post.

Midway through the half, City eventually broke the deadlock through BRAD MCKAY. Euan Spark’s header from Seth Patrick’s across inside the box took an unfortunate bounce off a Turriff defender and McKay showed great reactions to guide a volley down the centre of the net from 8 yards.

There were shouts for handball as Marc Scott’s shot came off a defender inside the box and the ball fell for substitute Ruari Henry who blazed over the crossbar.

There was plenty of effort and endeavour from the home side, but in reality they failed to test Lenny Wilson in the City goal. With 82 minutes on the clock, Max Foster headed tamely over the bar from a free kick.

With 7 minutes remaining, City were reduced to 10-men when Seth Patrick was issued a second yellow for scything down Archie Gibson.

Despite the man disadvantage, City saw out the game with relative ease to set up a hugely important encounter against 2nd placed Brora Rangers at the Carnegie Fuels Stadium next Saturday.

Other Results - Breedon Highland League

Brora Rangers 4 Buckie Thistle 1

Forres Mechanics 1 Deveronvale 3

Fraserburgh 4 Keith 0

Huntly 2 Lossiemouth 1

Inverurie Locos 2 Nairn County 3

Rothes 0 Clachnacuddin 4

Strathspey Thistle 1 Banks O' Dee 4

Wick Academy 1 Formartine United 2