Match Report - By John Hoey

Brechin City progressed to the second round of the Highland League Cup following a narrow 2-1 victory over Inverurie Locos at the Carnegie Fuels Stadium at Glebe Park.

It was a close, competitive and hard-fought encounter which City just deserved to win.

Ryan Ferguson, playing his first full ninety minutes following a lengthy lay-off from injury, scored the opening goal with substitute Dayle Robertson adding a second goal in the 75th minute.

Locos reduced the deficit through Mark Souter a couple of minutes later and shortly afterwards City were reduced to ten men with referee Joel Kennedy showing a straight red card to Robertson after an incident with Souter in the visitors penalty-box.

Locos then pushed hard for the equaliser but the City defence held firm to secure their place in the second round.

Manager Patrick Cregg rang the changes for this match and handed debuts to new signings Lewis Milne and Scott Bright while Ross Milne, Michael Hunter, Daniel Johnston and Issac Carmody all started.

The opening 45 minutes were relatively scrappy with few clear-cut chances for either side but the game sprang to life after the break.

City pushed hard for the opening goal straight from the re-start and it arrived in the 62nd minute when RYAN FERGUSON collected a pass at the edge of the box and drilled home a right-foot drive which took a slight deflection on its way into the net.

City doubled their advantage in the 75th minute when substitute DAYLE ROBERTSON, who had come on as a substitute just a few minutes earlier, side-footed a cross from Spencer Moreland into the net.

City’s joy was short-lived however, as the visitors hit back just a couple of minutes later when MARK SOUTER steered a header past Carmody following a corner to reduce the deficit.

City were dramatically reduced to ten men shortly afterwards when Robertson was shown a straight red card by referee Joel Kennedy following an incident with Souter in the visitors penalty-box.

With time running out, Locos piled the pressure on the home defence but City held on to book their place in the second round.

Other Results - Highland League Cup Round 1

Buckie Thistle 2 Clachnacuddin 0

Fraserburgh 2 Forres Mechanics 0

Huntly 5 Wick Academy 2

Keith 0 Brora Rangers 5

Lossiemouth 1 Deveronvale 4

Nairn County 0 Banks O' Dee 6

Rothes 1 Formartine United 8