Match Report - By Secretary

DESPITE a great first half performance, in which City occasionally had their SPL visitors on the backfoot, they ultimately went out of the CO-OP Cup at Glebe park last night.

While the Glebe Parkers matched the SPL side for the first half, and could have even found themselves in front had lady luck been on their side, not taking the lkead when they were on top, ultimately cost them a place in the next round.

However, second half goals from Frazer Wright and Craig Bryson killed off the home side as Kilmarnock showed why they are unbeaten so far this season.

Brechin started with the same side that played against Queens Park on Saturday, whilst Kilmarnock only made one change from their weekend fixture, with Allan Russell making his debut in place of the injured David Fernandez.

Although Kilmarnock had the best chances of the first half, in particular after 15 minutes when Nelson got down well to save Wright’s header, and again on the half our mark when the Brechin keeper turned Bryson’s low shot round the post, Brechin did have the ball in the net.
With just seven minutes on the clock Kevin Byers cross into the box was hooked in by the impressive Gary Twigg, but the linesman had his flag up early to rule the effort out.

There was also a big shout for a penalty 10 minutes later when great play down the left involving Darren Smith and Ian Diack resulted in Smith’s cross cannoning off Wright, but referee Steve Conroy waved away Brechin’s claim for handball.

While the score was 0-0 at half time, there had been plenty of action at both ends. Brechin had many players in excellent form, but Gary Twigg, Willie Dyer and Kevin Byers stood out in particular.

Kilmarnock made a half time substitution, bringing on William Gibson for the ineffectual Russell, and the away team came out the traps very quickly in the second half, putting Brechin under plenty of pressure.

The pressure paid off in the 58th minute, although Brechin will be kicking themselves for the manner in which they lost the goal.
Mehdi Taouil lofted in a free kick from the right hand side, and the home defence tried to rush out and play the offside trap, but it failed spectacularly as Wright ran clear before drilling his left footed effort low in off the post.

The introduction of Gibson, and shifting of Taouil to centre forward was making a huge difference for Kilmarnock, and Gibson was involved in the Ayrshire team’s second goal.

The substitute linked up well with Gary Hay, and the full back pulled the ball back for Craig Bryson to smash the ball in to the top corner from 16 yards.

Brechin rallied late in the game, following the introduction of substitutes Charlie King, Adam Nelson and Richard Walker, and had a good chance to nick a goal back with five minutes left when Twigg and Byers linked up well down the right hand side but Byers cross flashed across the box, which was headed away from almost under the bar for a corner.

More excellent play from Twigg resulted in another corner for Brechin and from that they had a very strong shout for a penalty turned down when Smith was flattened challenging for a loose ball in the box and yet again, referee Conroy angered the home support, by waving City's claim to one side.

All in all, Brechin competed well. And if they can add a bit more competition before Monday's transfer window, the season could yet be another memorable campaig at Glebe Park.

Other Results - CIS Cup 2

Arbroath 2 Inverness Caledonian Thistle 2

Caley Th win 4-2 on pens

Ayr United 0 Aberdeen 1

Hearts 0 Airdrie United 0

Airdrie Utd win 4-3 on pens