Match Report - By Keith Johnston

Ian Campbell kept faith with the same eleven players that started against Stirling on Saturday. His side were looking to get revenge for the poor result against Dumbarton a couple of weeks ago.

City got off to a dream start as they opened the scoring in the second minute. James Sharp’s free-kick wasn’t dealt with by the home defence and Stuart Callaghan was on hand to score from six yards.
The lead was short-lived though as Dumbarton levelled in the 21st minute. James Sharp was adjudged to have brought down Paul Ronald in the box – even though the Assistant Referee appeared to give a free-kick to Brechin. Referee Downie ignored the protests of City’s players and Craig McEwan dispatched the penalty.
City never really got going again in the first half and if anything scored too early in the game.

Into the second period, and City were dominant but unable to make their territorial advantage count against a well organised defence. David White’s effort that hit the crossbar was probably the closest City came to snatching all three points.
City were given a slight let-off by the referee when James Sharp committed a foul and appeared to be the last defender. However, Downie only produced the yellow card with the home support calling for red.
Late on, Charlie King had a free-kick tipped over the bar by Grindlay, but City had to settle for a share of the points.

Overall, Dumbarton is never an easy place to go, so a point is welcome. Unfortunately, Stranraer were able to collect all three points at Berwick, so the gap is now down to three points. City will still be top on Saturday night though - because of their superior goal difference, if nothing else. The men from Stair Park will probably feel that defeat on Saturday at Glebe Park could hand the title to Brechin.

Ian Campbell’s post match remarks were as follows: "The first half was a bit iffy, but we controlled the game in the second half and I'm disappointed we didn't get the three points.

"It was strange because we scored so early on and then lost our shape a bit for the next 10-15 minutes or so.

"But I liked the way my players got the ball down in the second half and played some good football.

"Tactically, the way Dumbarton play, they are a challenge for anybody in this league.

"I am not greatly disappointed with the result as it is another game away from home that we haven't lost."

Other Results - Bell's League Division 2

Berwick Rangers 1 Stranraer 2

Stranraer return to form with a win at Berwick.