Match Report - By Steven Mew

Brechin City's push for a promotion place continued with a thoroughly deserved victory over a strong Raith Rovers side.

Brechin enjoyed an unbelievable start to the game and found themselves amazingly two goals in front after just 122 seconds. Goal number one arrived with 75 seconds on the clock, Ian Diack started the move and Charlie King set up Kevin Byers, who made an expert job of applying the finishing touches.

While Brechin played a lot of good football throughout, the second goal arrived by virtue of a direct approach. Ian Diack latched on to a long through ball and managed to beat both goalkeeper Renton and Marvin Andrews to steer the ball home.

Having gone two goals up so quickly, City allowed Raith back into the game. However, City seemed to have weathered the storm until Richard Walker headed into the top corner of his own net, with a finish any of his team mates who play further up the park would have been proud of, had it come at the right end!

City regained their composure however and John Ward twice went close from corner kicks. One being cleared off the line and the other having to be pushed away by Renton.

The visiting goalkeeper was in action once again when Michael Paton latched on to a great through ball from midfield, only to be denied at the near post by a fine save from the former Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper.

Paton again escaped to clutches of full-back, Joe Dingwall and raced in on goal. The goalkeeper was once again equal to the task and stood his ground to make an excellent save.

The half-time whistle sounded and City were, no doubt, expecting a response from their opponents. It simply never materialised.

Instead Renton was, once again, the busier keeper with an excellent block from Paton’s shot then getting down well to block a great effort from Kevin Byers left-foot sweetly struck drive.

City got the third goal their approach play merited after 69 minutes. Michael Paton latched on to on to Kevin Byers’ ball out to the right flank before driving a pass into the 6 yard box for Ian Diack to sweep home.

At this stage of the game had Brechin had a four or five -one lead it would have been a much more realistic take on the afternoon’s procedings. But Raith Rovers threw everything forward in the last few minutes and Craig Nelson was forced to tip an effort from sub Andy Tod for a corner on the stroke of the final minute. From the flag kick, fellow substitute Derek Carcary stole in to poke the ball home at the near post.

In the dying seconds of injury time, with Raith’s central defenders having both become attackers, pivot Mark Campbell miskicked. Brechin hearts were firmly in mouths, but had Raith gained a draw, it would have been something of an injustice.

Brechin’s attacking play was impressive and while Calum Smith will feel hard done by, given his efforts on City’s behalf over the last few weeks, Diack and Paton linked up very well together. Davie White had an excellent game at centre back and Willie Dyer, undoubtedley had his best game since his permanent arrival from St Johnstone.

Other Results - Irn Bru 2nd Division

Ayr United 0 Peterhead 3

Two Bobby Mann penalties seal a comfortable win for Peterhead.

Cowdenbeath 0 Airdrie United 1

Airdrie continue their good form with a narrow victory.

Queen's Park 3 Berwick Rangers 1

Queens hammer another nail in Berwick's coffin.

Ross County 6 Alloa Athletic 1

County hammer Alloa at Recreation Park.