Match Report - By Secretary

AN INABILITY to stick away a few first half chances cost Brechin City dear in Saturday's 'Angus Derby' , although manager, Jim Duffy, was, in the end, happy enough with a point away from home.

City were also let off the hook five minutes from time, when Robbie Ross missed a sitter after an uncharacteristic mistake from Barry Smith.

Smith got under a long ball, which allowed Ross to run clean through on goal, but he volleyed the ball wide when a goal seemed certain.

The influential defender had played very well with both him and John Ward handling the home side’s forward line comfortably, while the visitors had never looked like losing the game and to concede, particularly in that manner, would have been very unfair.

Brechin had no forwards amongst their four substitutes with Stephen Ettien left out of the squad entirely and, while Rory McAllister and Charlie King linked up very well in the first half, both faded during the second period.

King had the first chance of the game when he charged down a clearance and weaved his way into the box before seeing his low shot turned round the post.

Ten minutes later he played a great ball down the left side to Darren Smith, but the club captain’s low cross agonizingly evaded Kevin Byers arriving at the back post when just a tap in was needed.

The only opportunity Arbroath had in the first half was a snap-shot just past the post from Steven Weir after Kevin McMullen’s driving run had set him up.

Kevin Byers had a couple of jinking runs himself, but twice fired over from around 25 yards after doing very well to create the space for himself.

Brechin’s best chance of the game came after half an hour when King capitalised on a defensive error and cut the ball back to McAllister, but the former Inverness man’s effort flashed just past the post.

The first half had been a decent affair with both teams playing some neat football, but the second period was a much scrappier affair.

King did come close early on though, taking a quick free kick from Janczyk and lobbing in a shot which skimmed the roof the net.

Brechin had Craig Nelson to thank for keeping them in the game 16 minutes from time when former City midfielder Roddy Black fired in a left footed snap shot, producing an excellent save from the experienced goalkeeper.

As the game moved into the closing stages Byers charged down a defensive clearance in Arbroath’s box, but the ball fired off the winger’s shin and into the side netting.

Jim Duffy then introduced energetic midfielder Ian Nimmo for Smith in an effort to liven things up but it was the hosts who had the best chance from Ross’ effort.

The striker had to be withdrawn minutes after missing his chance when he was involved in an accidental challenge with Ward.

The spine of Brechin’s side looked very strong on Saturday, with Nelson, Smith and Ward keeping Arbroath quiet, while Fusco and Janczyk controlled the middle of the park, especially in the first half.

With league leaders Ayr United and second placed Raith Rovers both picking up wins to pull themselves points clear at the top of the table, Brechin have fallen a bit behind in the race for the title.

However, the league is incredibly tight in the fight for the playoffs, a victory in Tuesday nights fixture with Stranraer would move Brechin back to third in the table, three points ahead of Peterhead and six points clear of Stirling and East Fife, the two teams also challenging for a playoff place.

Other Results - Irn Bru 2nd Division

Alloa Athletic 2 Stirling Albion 3

Ayr United 5 Stranraer 0

East Fife 0 Raith Rovers 1

Peterhead 1 Queen's Park 1