Match Report - By Steven Mew

After a crushing defeat against Queens Park last Saturday, City were looking to get back on track with a positive result in the cup against 1st division new-boys Stirling Albion.

After having almost every 1st choice defender out due to suspension last weekend, City manager Michael O’Neill welcomed back John Ward, Scott Walker, David White and Stuart Callaghan back into the squad. However, John Ward will sit out Saturday’s game against Peterhead as he still has 1 game of his 2 match ban to serve. Craig Nelson was available for the Stirling game but will miss the Blue Toon game.

Despite the return of many defenders, City couldn’t get the result they wanted and Stirling once again left Glebe Park with 3 points having won here twice in the league term.

Being knocked at the first hurdle was a real blow for City, especially after hearing that Stirling drew Hearts at home in the 2nd round draw which took place today at Easter Road. This would have been a money-spinner for the club and a real financial boost.

Like City, Stirling had a host of first team players suspended for the opening league game on Saturday and most returned to take part in game on Tuesday night.

Despite Stirling having much of the ball early on, City started brightly and Myles Hogarth had to alert to stop a Kevin Byers shot after an attempted clearance ricocheted into the path of the central midfielder.

With just 5 minutes on the clock, City came close to taking the lead when Iain Russell struck the post, but the linesman had already flagged for offside.

Stirling captain Chris Aitken, back from suspension, came close minutes later when his 30 yard drive just whistled past the post.

City keeper Craig Nelson showed his value to the side when he made a superb double stop to deny David McKenna’s header, and then the follow up from the striker.

Nelson had to be on his toes again after 15 minutes when Chris Aitken had another long range shot at goal but ‘Nelly’ made a superb save to turn it round the post for a corner.

However, just after the half hour mark, disaster struck for Brechin. A poor back-pass from David Murie was intercepted by Nathan Taggart who rounded Nelson and played the ball across goal for David McKenna who bundled the ball over the line under pressure from Scott Walker.

City continued to battle hard and came close to an equaliser when Iain Russell got past his marker but his weak shot was palmed away by Myles Hogarth and cleared to safety by the Bino’s defence.

Brechin came out strong in the 2nd half and played some good football on what was an excellent surface. However, they failed to create any clear-cut opportunities while Stirling continued to threaten Nelson at the other end.

Two minutes into the second half a David McKenna shot was palmed away by the City goalkeeper and out for a corner. The danger was cleared from the corner and Iain Russell latched onto a long ball and got the better of Andy Graham before firing straight at Hogarth.

After the hour mark came a controversial moment in the game. A quick free kick was played to Colin Cramb on the edge of the box and as he attempted to turn he appeared to have been tugged down just inside the box. Referee Alan Freeland had no hesitation in pointing to the spot but the linesman on the hedge side had his flag up. After a brief chat with the linesman, Alan Freeland changed his mind and instead awarded Brechin a free kick as Colin Cramb had been tugging on the edge of the box before going down.

Stirling supporters were hoping this decision didn’t prove costly and unfortunately for City it didn’t. Michael O’Neill made his first change of the night with Barry Callaghan coming on for the disappointing David Murie after 61 minutes.

As the game started to fizzle out Charlie King came on for Neil Janczyk while John Ward came on for Stuart Callaghan and ‘Wardy’ was thrown upfront in an attempt to salvage something from the tie.

While Chucky looked lively and Ward won a number of aerial duels upfield, City struggled as the Stirling defence held firm. There was a scare for the visitors in the last minute however when Martin Johnston’s screwed effort just went past the post with Hogarth stranded.

Overall, Stirling deserved their win and one of the plus points for City is that it was an improvement from Saturday. With City now out the cup they can concentrate on Saturday’s league game at home to Peterhead. Game kicks off at 3pm.

Other Results - CIS Cup Round 1

Berwick Rangers 3 Stenhousemuir 1

After extra time.

Clyde 0 Raith Rovers 3

Raith outclass their higher league opposition.

Cowdenbeath 2 Dumbarton 0

Comfortable win for the Fifers at Central Park.

Dundee 2 Morton 0

Dundee comfortably defeat Morton at Dens Park.

Forfar Athletic 0 Peterhead 1

The Blue Toon edge out Forfar at Station Park.

Hamilton Academical 2 East Stirlingshire 1

Hamilton scrape past Shire at New Douglas Park.

Livingston 5 Ayr United 0

Livvy give Ayr a hiding at Almondvale.

Queen's Park 2 Alloa Athletic 1

The Spiders good start to the season continues.

Ross County 3 Elgin City 1

Ross County win the battle of the Highlanders.