Match Report - By Steve Mitchell

BRECHIN City made it to the last 16 of the Scottish Cup for the first time in eight years with a tremendous result at Berwick to give Ian Campbell and his new look management team a winning start.

Berwick forced umpteen corners in the first period, but rarely troubled the Brechin goal. There were a few nervous moments, with wee left-winger Darren Smith the main orchestrater of Berwick’s forays forward.

While Berwick had the lion’s share of possession in the first period, it was City who carved open the first real chance of the game. Paul Ritchie glanced what looked like a net-bound header beyond the reach of Gary O’Connor and onto the bar.

Despite Berwick’s love of the corner flag, they carved out just one clear-cut opportunity in the first half. Not surprisingly, it was Darren Smith who weaved his way through the heart of the City defence, but he was denied by a tremendous save, which saw Craig Nelson throw out a vital right-leg.

Smith’s other moment of note was halted magnificently as he went on another penetrating run. However, Steve Hamilton, once again a candidate for Brechin’s Man of the Match, slid in with a great tackle.

While Berwick may have felt somewhat aggrieved at not having some sort of advantage from their first half efforts, the same could not be said of the second half.

Just a minute into the second half, Kevin Byers dispossessed David Murie on the left flank and drove forward into the box. His low cross was expertly steered home by the in-form Steven Hampshire.

Just ten minutes later Craig Winter, who was once again outstanding in the heart of the City midfield, adjusted himself to get the ball on his right foot, before curling in a tremendous 20 yard effort, which gave O’Connor no chance.

In the 74th minute, Tennent’s Man of the Match, Steven Hampshire, made it 3-0. The striker looked up and picked his spot from 25 yards and was aided by a deflection.

Paul Ritchie had the opportunity to make it 4-0 when good work from King on the left created a great opportunity, but with the goal at his mercy, the ball spun up and hit City’s top scorer in the kneecap, before being gathered by a grateful O’Connor.

While it took City 45 minutes to get going. It was, in the end, a very convincing win for Ian Campbell and his side.

Nelson once again proved his worth, with his only real save of the game at a vital moment. Hamilton had an excellent game at right-back, in his first game back after injury and Hampshire looks so sharp at present. An asset he will hopefully use to the full, when City face Stranraer at Stair Park on Saturday.

Other Results - Tennent's Scottish Cup Round 3

Arbroath 0 Aberdeen 2

Aberdeen win at Arbroath although not by as great a margin as some would have predicted.

Ayr United 3 Stranraer 3

High scoring match at Somerset Park ends level.

Clyde 3 Falkirk 0

Clyde see off Falkirk with ease.

East Fife 0 Dunfermline Athletic 0

Third divsion East Fife hold Premier League Dunfermline.

Hibernian 2 Dundee 0

In-form Hibs overcome Dundee.

Kilmarnock 2 Motherwell 0

Kilmarnock also through in an all-SPL affair.

Montrose 1 Queen of the South 2

Montrose narrowly beaten by QOS.

Partick Thistle 0 Heart of Midlothian 0

Dick's boys hold Hearts to a draw and will travel to Tynecastle for a replay.

Raith Rovers 0 Alloa Athletic 2

First division strugglers Raith beaten by Alloa.

St Mirren 3 Hamilton Academical 0

St Mirren triumph in this all first division clash.