Match Report - By Steve Mitchell

WHEN PRAISE from the opposition arrives at your doorstep, it’s always welcomed, when a European Cup winner and Lisbon Lion have delivered it, it should be cherished.

So Tommy Gemmell’s assessment of Brechin City’s performance: “A wonderful display of attacking football and a lesson to clubs at this level on how to pass the ball and retain possession,”will surely be filed in Dick Campbell’s cabinet.

City scored five goals, four from the irrepressible Templeman whose confidence once again appears to be sky high. But in truth, with another chalked off for a dubious offside call and three outstanding saves from the home goalkeeper, Brechin could have netted double figures.

Hardly surprisingly, with six wins out of seven under his belt, Dick Campbell stuck with the side who had defeated Dumbarton so comprehensively.

Albion actually had the better start possession wise, but from the first kick of the ball the White/Walker central defensive partnership looked like getting the better of the ever-dangerous Glancy/McLean striking duo for the home side.

The game swung from end to end and it was great to watch to sides who time after time, throughout the 90 minutes, tried to pass the ball on the ground and into feet.

Brechin were denied with a truly outstanding save from Myles Hogarth after a throw-in. Paul Ritchie took Templeman’s head-flick on the drop and crashed in a stunning volley, which the goalkeeper somehow managed to turn over the bar.

In 34 minutes City carved Albion open with a candidate for Goal of the Season. Hampshire, Winter, Byers, Ritchie and finally Templeman were involved in the studied build-up before Chris opened the floodgates from 25 yards.

Albion always looked a threat going forward and Nelson denied Craig Ferguson a leveller on the stroke of half-time.

City’s start to the second half was more positive and determined and they were rewarded after 50 minutes. Chris Scotland lost possession and Templeman advanced into the box, before poking the ball past Hogarth.

Six minutes later it was all over. Kevin Byers played in a lovely corner from the right and Templeman drilled a low drive beyond the goalkeeper to complete his hat-trick.

City had lost Stevie Hamilton with an injury in the first half and his replacement Jamie Smith was playing his first game in weeks. But it was Albion who pulled a goal back in the 67 minutes. The lively David O’Brien steadied himself on the edge of the penalty area before firing past Craig Nelson. This was the first goal Nelson had lost in four games.

But straight from the kick-off, Kevin Byers made a fantastic run through the heart of the home defence and was picked out by Man of the Match Templeman. Byers drew the goalkeeper before slotting the ball beyond his reach.

At this stage it looked like City would run up a cricket score. Hogarth produced two great saves one from Ritchie and one from Templeman. Templeman then looked unfortunate to have a “goal” chalked off after Ritchie headed the ball back across the face of goal. But a linesman’s flag prevented the big man bagging a nap hand.

However, the “Sanny Show” wasn’t complete. Five minutes from time he netted his fourth and his side’s fifth goal after being set up by Scott Walker. Albion, to their immense credit, never started lumping high balls up the park. And they created a couple of chances of their own in the closing stages, but Nelson and Co met the challenge.

This was an excellent performance from a team of no failures. Templeman was sublime, Byers magnificent in midfield and White outstanding in defence.

Other Results - Bell's League Division 2

Berwick Rangers 0 Ayr United 1

Sandy Clark off to a losing start as Berwick boss.

Dumbarton 1 Arbroath 3

Good result for Harry as Dumbarton are easily beaten.

Forfar Athletic 3 Alloa Athletic 1

Forfar are Brechin's next opponents and got a good result, after some poor recent form.

Stranraer 1 Morton 0

Stranraer's narrow victory keeps them ahead of City at the top. Morton continue to be hot and cold.