Match Report - By Steven Mew

There was nothing to separate the Highland League top two yesterday afternoon as City preserved their 7 point lead at the top of the division.

Although early in the season, there was an air of importance about the fixture and the point may well prove to be crucial for City come the business end.

With Seth Patrick suspended, there was a start for new loan signing Michael Hunter whilst Anthony McDonald also came in at the expense of Scott Logan.

In front of an excellent crowd of 763, City came flying out the traps and opened the scoring after just 5 minutes. Fraser Macleod played a fine ball over the top for MARC SCOTT to chase and he supplied an inch perfect lob over the goalkeeper and into the corner.

The visitors looked to recover from the early goal, with experienced forward Shane Sutherland flashing a shot just of goal.

In was a half of very few clear cut chances, Brora pulled themselves level with 36 minutes on the clock. A cross from the right hand side wasn’t properly cleared and the ball eventually fell for JAMES WALLACE who placed a low shot into the far corner to equalise.

Five minutes before the break, Fraser MacLeod played a neat ball through for Ewan Loudon who only had the keeper to beat but blazed his strike over the bar, although the linesman had flagged for offside.

Three minutes later, a Brora corner caused problems inside the box with a shot being blocked before defender Mark Nicolson fired narrowly over from 12 yards.

In a similar fashion to the first half, City started well and got themselves back in front within 3 minutes of the restart. A low ball by Spencer Moreland into the box fell kindly for FRASER MACLEOD who stabbed home from close range.

Shortly after the hour mark, some great vision from Brad McKay saw him find Marc Scott with a long ball, he teed up Spencer Moreland who saw his shot blocked before Ewan Loudon was unable to connect properly just 8 yards from goal, with the ball dribbling harmlessly wide.

On 72 minutes, Tony Dingwall headed narrowly over from an in-swinging right sided cross for the visitors and 9 minutes from time, City had a glorious opportunity when Fraser MacLeod flighted a ball over the top for Ewan Loudon who bore down on goal – instead of shooting he instead opted to cut the ball back which was intercepted by the Brora defence.

The Cattachs punished immediately as they broke away and equalised on the counter, with Tony Dingwall crossing into the box for substitute GEORGE ROBESTEN who sweeped a fine first time volley into the net.

With five minutes remaining, a corner from Craig Mackenzie struck the top of the crossbar and at the other end Ruari Henry had a shot saved by Cameron Mackay at his near post.

As the game entered stoppage time, Robesten had a shot blocked for a Brora corner and from the set piece City supporters breathed a sigh of relief as Euan Spark cleared off the line.

The last opportunity of the game fell City’s way when a corner from Spencer Moreland was headed straight at the keeper by Brad McKay.

Although there will be an element of disappointment that City didn’t pick up the 3 points having gone ahead twice, few could argue that a draw was a fair result on the day.

Other Results - Breedon Highland League

Banks O' Dee 7 Rothes 1

Buckie Thistle 1 Forres Mechanics 2

Clachnacuddin 3 Turriff United 1

Formartine United 2 Deveronvale 0

Keith 1 Huntly 2

Lossiemouth 1 Wick Academy 3

Nairn County 1 Fraserburgh 1

Strathspey Thistle 0 Inverurie Locos 4