Match Report - By Steven Mew

Brechin City shook off a flat first-half display to produce an improved second-half performance against Rothes, running out 3–0 winners to remain top of the Highland League for Christmas.

After last week’s disappointing defeat to Strathspey Thistle, manager Ray McKinnon rang the changes and opted for a more experienced starting line-up. Kieran Sweeney, Wallace Baird, Ethan Crombie and Finlay Allan all dropped out of the starting 11, with Paul Watson, Spencer Moreland and Cillian Sheridan drafted in. There was also a welcome boost for City supporters as Brad McKay returned from injury, making his first appearance since August.

City started the brighter of the two sides but found clear-cut chances hard to come by in an opening half that lacked tempo. The first opportunity arrived after five minutes when Grady McGrath drove forward with purpose before firing a low strike that was comfortably saved by Rothes goalkeeper Stewart Black.

Three minutes later, City went close again as Sheridan flicked the ball on into the path of Ben Armour, whose low effort was again held by Black.

McGrath was at the heart of much of Brechin’s attacking play and, on 19 minutes, delivered a dangerous cross that flashed across the face of goal with Armour just unable to get the crucial touch in front of goal.

Brad McKay came close on the half-hour mark, finding space 20 yards out and testing Black with a firm strike, though the Rothes keeper was once more equal to it. Despite their territorial dominance, Brechin lacked sharpness in the final third and went into the interval frustrated at still being level.

McKinnon made a positive move at half-time, introducing Finlay Allan for Harry Craig as City went more attacking in search of the opener.

The change had an immediate impact, with Brechin emerging with far greater intensity after the break. Two minutes into the second half, the Rothes keeper flapped at a cross and the ball fell to McGrath but with little room to manoeuvre his effort was blocked amid a packed penalty area.

Shortly afterwards, Marley Sweenie-Rowe unleashed a vicious strike from the edge of the box that Black did well to save low down.

The pressure finally told on 62 minutes. Following a goalmouth scramble, the ball broke kindly for EUAN SPARK who showed the composure to calmly place his shot into the net from around 10 yards to give City a deserved lead.

Brechin wasted little time in doubling their advantage. Just three minutes later, Sweenie-Rowe’s corner caused havoc inside the Rothes box and following a failed clearance, the ball ricocheted off EUAN SPARK and into the net to double his and City's tally for the afternoon.

Rothes’ only real moment of threat came on 69 minutes when a ball lofted in behind the City defence found Thomas Brady. However, he fluffed his initial effort and when he did get a shot away, it took a deflection and went over for a corner.

From that point on, it was one-way traffic. On 73 minutes, Paul Watson headed a cross down into the path of Spencer Moreland whose half-volley took a ricochet and flew inches over the bar. Three minutes later, Sweenie-Rowe burst into the box, beating three defenders, but couldn’t quite get his shot away and Black gathered.

City continued to create openings. A Finlay Allan cross on 77 minutes found Watson but his header failed to trouble the keeper. Allan then won possession down the left on 80 minutes and drove into the box, only to see his low strike smartly saved at the near post by the feet of Black.

Spark, clearly enjoying a more advanced role, went close to completing his hat-trick on several occasions. On 82 minutes, a McGrath shot was blocked before Spark fired into the side netting and a minute later he saw another effort deflected wide by a Rothes defender.

The third goal finally arrived late on to round off the scoring. A minute from time, McGrath delivered an excellent free-kick into the box and the unmarked BAYLEY KLIMIONEK glanced a header into the net for his first goal in a City shirt.

Deep into stoppage time, Spark had one final opportunity but his ambitious strike sailed well over - ensuring it wasn’t to be a hat-trick for the City skipper.

Overall, Brechin recovered from an underwhelming first half to produce a more encouraging second-half performance, earning three vital points to stay top of the Highland League.

Attention now turns to a tricky home fixture against Banks O’ Dee next week as City look to maintain their momentum at the summit.

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