Match Report - By Steven Mew

Despite being out of league action for over a month, City picked up where they left off as they recorded a thumping win over an in-form Clachnacuddin side to return to the top of the table.

Due to the weather and a Scottish Cup fixture, City’s last league fixture came at the tail end of December as they put 5 goals past Huntly, and they would go on to record another impressive victory on the road yesterday afternoon.

Manager Patrick Cregg made two changes from the side that faced Hearts over a fortnight ago, with Scott Bright coming in for the injured Euan Spark, whilst Cillian Sheridan also started with Marc Scott dropping to the bench.

The visitors started brightly at Grant Street Park, with Kevin McHattie having a shot blocked inside the box within the opening 5 minutes before Cillian Sheridan glanced wide from Scott Bright’s cross.

City would come within a whisker of opening the scoring on 9 minutes – Dayle Robertson flighted a cross to the back post for the unmarked Ewan Loudon but he couldn’t quite connect with the diving header.

Just after the quarter hour mark, Sheridan threatened again for City when he headed straight at Daniel Rae whilst at the other end, dangerman Andy Macrae attempted an overhead kick which was comfortably saved by Lenny Wilson.

The home keeper was forced into a spectacular reflex save to deny Lewis Milne on 24 minutes but City were not be denied from the resulting corner. Milne swung the corner into the box where BRAD MCKAY was on hand to bundle home from close range.

A couple of minutes after the goal, Ewan Loudon went on a lung-busting run from his own half down the left hand side and made his way into the box before firing well over.

Despite City having the better of the chances, it was the home side that pegged City back shortly after the half hour mark. A fine cross into the box was glanced into the far corner by JAMES ANDERSON.

City looked for an immediate response and there were appeals for a penalty when Cillian Sheridan was bundled down inside the box however referee David Alexander waved away the claims.

Four minutes before the break City did manage to win a penalty when Dayle Robertson went down under a challenge. He dusted himself off to take it himself, however his spot kick cannoned off the inside the post and away to safety.

Deep into first half stoppage time, Fraser Macleod had a shot blocked inside the box which was followed by a goalmouth scramble but Clach managed to clear the danger.

The sides went in level at the break but it took City just 5 minutes into the second period to get their noses back in front. Spencer Moreland was fouled 25 yards out and LEWIS MILNE stepped up to curl a sumptuous curling effort over the wall and into the net via the inside of the post for his first City goal.

The celebrations had barely died down by the time City doubled the advantage. Lewis Milne again played a crucial role as he threaded a ball in behind the defence for DAYLE ROBERTSON who lashed high beyond Rae for his 21st goal of the season.

The visitors were rampant at this stage and it could have easily been 3 goals in as many minutes when Cillian Sheridan played a low cross in for Dayle Robertson but Ben Cormack made a last ditch tackle to deny.

Ewan Loudon fired a shot on the turn which was deflected narrowly wide before City extended their advantage on the hour mark. Lewis Milne registered a hat-trick of assists as his low ball into the box was fired in by BRAD MCKAY through the goalkeepers legs from 18 yards.

With the game more or less over as a contest, Cregg made a triple substitution with Ryan Ferguson, Seth Patrick and Marc Scott all taking to the field with Kevin McHattie, Fraser Macleod and the impressive Lewis Milne making way.

Some of City’s play was a joy to behold and Cillian Sheridan came close with a nonchalant chip from the edge of the box which landed on the roof of the net.

With around quarter of an hour left, City continued to chase for a 5th goal. Marc Scott linked up with fellow substitute Seth Patrick who sidestepped his man on the edge of the box but his left-footed strike lacked conviction and trickled wide of goal.

Three minutes from the end, the Lilywhites netted a consolation when an in-swinging cross from substitute Allan Macphee found JAMES ANDERSON lurking inside the box and he guided his header into the far corner of the net.

That would prove to be the last of the action as City moved back to the top of the Breedon Highland League, two points ahead of Brora Rangers whilst also having a game in hand.

It’s another crucial fixture for City next weekend as we play host to 3rd placed Banks O’ Dee who sit just 3 points behind the reds in the table, albeit having played two games more.

Other Results - Breedon Highland League

Banks O' Dee 2 Buckie Thistle 0

Fraserburgh 3 Forres Mechanics 1

Inverurie Locos 1 Formartine United 0

Nairn County 3 Lossiemouth 1

Turriff United 3 Wick Academy 0