Match Report - By Steven Mew

Brechin City booked their place in the second round of the Scottish Cup with a thoroughly professional 3–1 victory over Lochee United at Thomson Park.

It was a tie that carried extra significance for both managers. City boss Ray McKinnon returned to the club where his managerial journey began, coming up against his former assistant, Steven Fallon, now in charge of Lochee.

With regular goalkeeper Craig Hepburn unavailable, Ruaridh Lynch joined on a short term co-operation loan from Dundee to make his debut between the sticks. Elsewhere, Adam Hutchinson replaced Kieran Sweeney in defence in what was the only other change from the 6-2 win over Forres Mechanics last weekend.

Lochee’s squad included a strong Brechin connection, with five ex-City men featuring in their lineup: Lewis McKelvie and Kevin McHattie started whilst Dean Easton, Ewan Murray, and Scott Webster were among the substitutes.

City almost struck early when home goalkeeper McKelvie brought down Allan inside the box on eight minutes. McGrath stepped up but blazed his penalty over the bar, letting Lochee off the hook.

Brechin continued to create chances, with Mitch Taylor volleying over from a Craig cross before the opener arrived on 21 minutes. Taylor’s corner was met by skipper EUAN SPARK who rifled a volley into the roof of the net from close range to put City in front.

The lead was doubled just ten minutes later. Allan whipped in a dangerous cross which found MITCH TAYLOR, who nutmegged his marker before sending a deflected shot looping beyond McKelvie to make it 2-0.

City remained dominant, with Spark twice glancing wide from Macleod deliveries, while Taylor’s free-kick and a sharp drive from Allan both forced saves out of McKelvie before the break.

Brechin kept up the pressure after the restart with Macleod testing McKelvie with a low deflected effort.

On 58 minutes, the tie was effectively put to bed. McGrath’s free kick was only partially cleared and MITCH TAYLOR seized on it with a stunning half-volley on the turn, arrowing the ball into the top corner for his second of the afternoon.

Lochee fought to get back into the game and their first real opportunity arrived just after the hour mark when Paterson’s strike was saved by Lynch, before Kevin McHattie lashed the rebound high over the bar.

Their persistence was rewarded in the 84th minute when a deep cross was met by the vastly experienced PAUL LUNAN, whose looping header found the far corner to reduce the deficit.

City nearly restored their three-goal cushion in stoppage time when Tosh squared the ball across for fellow substitute Findlay, only for McKelvie to block with his feet.

Overall it was a commanding performance from Brechin to ensure a safe passage into round two, where they will host East of Scotland outfit Dundonald Bluebell. Truth be told, the victory came without City ever needing to move out of first gear.

Next up for Ray McKinnon’s men is a return to league duty, with in-form Fraserburgh the visitors to the Carnegie Fuels Stadium at Glebe Park next weekend.