Match Report - By Keith Johnston

Brechin went into today’s game on the back of three straight victories, from what looked on paper to be three tough fixtures. Today’s visitors to Glebe Park were Dumbarton who had been tipped by many to do well this season, but have so far failed to really get going. Dick Campbell had almost a full squad to choose from, with the exception of Charlie King and Scott MacNicol, but he opted to stick with the same eleven that started against Ayr United last week.

The game started slowly with both sides enjoying some good spells of possession, but failing to carve out any goalscoring opportunities. That changed in the 16th minute though when Brechin hit the woodwork. Steve Hamilton’s long throw was headed on by Paul Ritchie to Chris Templeman who turned and smashed a powerful shot off the post.
The sides were pretty evenly matched in the first half, but City always looked the more likely to get a goal, especially given the recent form of the strikers. Templeman was again the man on the end of a move in the 24th minute, that also involved Hampshire, Winter and Ritchie, but this time Stephen Grindlay was able to gather easily.
All the Sons had offered till that point had been a couple of crosses and weak shots that were dealt with by Craig Nelson, but they had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down in the 26th minute by referee Craig Mackay. The ball was blasted against the arm of Scott Walker, but the referee felt it was more a case of ball to hand than anything else.
At the other end, Dumbarton had to scramble clear from their goal-line in the 35th minute as Steve Hampshire’s shott from 10 yards out had beaten Grindlay.
However, the visiting keeper had a couple of great saves just before half time as City pushed for the opening goal. Initially Templeman struck a 20 yard shot that was tipped wide for a corner and then moments later Kevin Byers saw his goal bound effort superbly saved, again at the expense of a corner.
All this meant that the sides went in level and Brechin were in need of another second half performance to match that of the three previous games.

Within six minutes of the restart, Brechin got that vital opening goal. Kevin Byers’ corner to the far post was missed in the air by Grindlay, allowing David White a simple opportunity to tap into the net.
Dumbarton tried to respond quickly and Craig Nelson produced a brilliant save within seconds of White’s goal. A warning for City that they would need to stay on their toes to secure the win.
From this point on though, it was to be the Paul Ritchie show. Just before the hour mark, he had a good shot on goal that produced another great save from Grindlay. The Sons’ keeper may have been slightly dubious from the high cross that caused the opening goal, but his shot stopping was excellent.
But City’s number 9 was not going to be denied as he extended Brechin’s advantage within seconds of Grindlay’s save. Steve Hamilton’s long throw eventually fell to Chris Templeman at the edge of the box and he played the ball into Ritchie who took his time and slotted the ball home.
Hamilton was again the instigator of a Ritchie chance in the 78th minute as his cross was met powerfully by the ex Inverness man, but the effort was straight at Grindlay.
With ten minutes to go Roddy Black was introduced for Kevin Byers and he made an immediate impact, setting up Ritchie’s second goal. Ritchie’s first effort was well saved, but his predator instincts shone through as he produced the decisive touch at the second attempt.
With five minutes left on the clock, Ritchie sealed his hat-trick, and this goal was the pick of the bunch. He went on a magnificent solo run, leaving several defenders trailing in his wake, before producing an unstoppable finish.
In the final minute of normal time, Brechin’s Craig Nelson showed that it’s not just the strikers who are on good form for City at the moment with a good low save after his defenders had failed to deal with a high ball.

Overall, another cracking result for City and there was no surprise in the sponsor’s choosing Paul Ritchie as their man-of-the-match. Ritchie hasn’t been without his critics among the Brechin support this season, but there is no question that even when he has not been scoring himself he has been creating space and chances for others to exploit and he is a primary reason for City having three players on the top scorers chart for the division, including himself.
But today there were several good performers to City and although Ritchie will take the plaudits, the manager must surely be pleased by the all-round team performance, yet again in the second half in particular.
Perhaps coming at the wrong time for Dick Campbell and his players, next week there is no game because of the internationals. No doubt the manager may want to setup a bounce game at some point over the next two weeks, but nobody will fancy taking on City in this kind of form, even in a friendly! So Brechin travel to Stirling in their next game two weeks from today, to whom a point perhaps needs to be made.

Other Results - Bell's League Division 2

Arbroath 0 Alloa Athletic 3

Arbroath beaten 3-0 at home to fellow strugglers Alloa.

Morton 2 Forfar Athletic 1

Forfar's poor recent form continues as Morton keep the pressure on the sides above them.

Stirling Albion 1 Ayr United 1

Stirling still unbeaten, but drawing a lot of matches at the moment.

Stranraer 2 Berwick Rangers 2

Leaders Stranraer surprisingly held at home to Berwick Rangers.