Match Report - By Steven Mew

Pre-season friendlies may have provided some entertainment for the fans for the past few weeks, but nothing beats the return of competitive Scottish fitba'. However, some Brechin fans may question that after Saturday's game which saw Brechin go down heavily to newly promoted Queens Park.

With almost the entire defence suspended, Michael O'Neill had to field a make-shift back line with Richard Walker on the right, 18 year old Chris Hughes and trialist Grant McNicol in the centre, and David Murie being played out of position on the left.

Not an ideal situation for the first game of the season but elsewhere, City were at full strength and with a free-scoring front line of Russell and Johnston, City fans were hoping that they could possibly salvage something from the game, however, it just didn't go for them on Saturday.

The midfield consisted of Kevin Byers, captain Darren Smith and new recruits Neil Janczyk and Adam Nelson.

Queens started the better and came close after just two minutes. A long ball from the back was flicked on by Paul Ronald but Stuart Kettlewell couldn't keep his effort down and the ball flew over the bar. It was clear to see that the City defence included a vastly inexperienced Hughes, a player just signed a couple of days before the game and Murie being played in a position he is very much unfamiliar with.

City's first chance of the game came when Paul Paton's poor clearance only went as far as Neil Janczyk, and his shot was tipped round the post by former City keeper Mark Cairns.

Just a few minutes later the home side were ahead. Richard Sinclair lobbed the ball over the top and with the City defence in no-mans land, Stephen Canning beat the offside shouts to beautifully lob the ball over the stranded Nelson and into the net.

Whilst City were looking shaky at the back, Russell and Johnston were looking good upfront, with the former showing some good touches, turns and passes. One of Johnston's passes nearly put Iain Russell through on goal but Damiano Agostini made a sublime saving challenge to stop 'Beany' in his tracks.

City were starting to dominate and won a series of corners which unfortunately led to nothing, not helped by the fact that 3 giant centre backs were all sitting in the stands suspended. Kevin Byers had a good shot parried wide by Mark Cairns after 25 minutes.

Russell and Johnston were linking up well upfront and 'Beany's' deft chip put Johnston through but he failed to connect properly with the ball and Mark Cairns gathered the ball up with ease.

As the first half drew to a close, Iain Russell was booked for handball. At the break, Michael O'Neill had to try his best to sort out a dilapidated defence.

The second half was more open with both sides attacking in numbers, but chances were very few and far between. City switched to 3 at the back as Barry Callaghan came on for Neil Janczyk.

With 73 minutes on the clock, the Spiders doubled their advantage. Stephen Canning made a run down the right hand side of the box and he was brought down by a clumsy Chris Hughes challenge. It was a soft award, but there can't be any complaints as there was contact made.

The impressive Alan Trouten stepped up to take the spot kick and he sent Craig Nelson the wrong way. It looked like all 3 points were staying at Hampden.

Queens were awarded a second penalty just five minutes later, in dubious circumstances it has to be said. Trouten latched on to a Kettlewell pass and despite looking at least several yards offside, he tried to round Nelson but was brought down by the City goalkeeper.

The inevitable red card was flashed to 'Nelly' and City's day was going bad to worse. Trialist defender Grant McNicol was sacrificed for sub keeper Chris McLuskey and unfortunately the first thing he had to do was pick the ball out of the net, however, he was close to getting a hand to the spot kick from Trouten.

City battled to the end but the referee whistled to signal the end of a miserable afternoon for the reds. The scoreline flattered Queens somewhat although they fully deserved their victory. With Ward, White and S. Callaghan back from suspension, hopefully City can get back on track with a win against Peterhead at Glebe Park next week.

However, there is a game tomorrow evening (Tuesday) against 1st division side Stirling Albion in the first round of the CIS Cup. Kick off is 7:45pm and season tickets are valid for this tie.

Other Results - Irn Bru 2nd Division

Airdrie United 0 Raith Rovers 1

10 man Raith defeat Airdrie thanks to a Marvin Andrews goal.

Berwick Rangers 1 Cowdenbeath 1

Share of the spoils at Shielfield.

Peterhead 1 Alloa Athletic 4

Stunning start for Alloa as Graeme Brown nets a hat-trick.

Ross County 2 Ayr United 0

Winning start for Ross County at home to Ayr.