Match Report - By Keith Johnston

Brechin made the short trip to Arbroath for a local derby. Higher than normal temperatures for the time of year meant Gayfield was not as cold as normal and conditions were good for football.

Brechin started brightly and a cross for Craig Winter was half-cleared to Steven Ferguson, but his shot was well off target.
In the 9th minute, City conceded a free-kick in midfield and Craig Winter was booked for dissent (throwing the ball at Gavin Swankie). Arbroath punted the free-kick forward and Swankie got goal-side of Craig Winter, forcing the Brechin man to bundle him to the ground. The referee pointed to the spot and Greg Henslee made no mistake with the penalty, sending Nelson the wrong way.
The opening goal had come against the run of play and Brechin set about getting back on level terms. They didn’t have long to wait as Charlie King found the net in the 16th minute. A long throw by Steve Hamilton (Arbroath clearly haven’t learnt their lesson from last time) was flicked on by Graham Gibson and King volleyed the ball superbly into the top corner. Prior to the goal, City had had a few decent moves with the likes of Manny Panther in particular doing well – so it was a deserved equaliser.
Three minutes later, City were ahead. Arbroath were penalised for a foul on Panther down the left. Steve Hamilton’s free-kick was flicked on by Scott Walker to Charlie King. He looked up and sent the ball across goal for Steve Hampshire to slide in and score his 18th of the season.
Brechin were denied the chance of a quick third when Hamilton’s long throw was headed on by Sharp to King in a promising position. The referee blew for a foul by Sharp.
Brechin played some excellent football for spells in the first half and really should have scored more goals. James Sharp had a shot from range in the 33rd minute but he was well off target.
City came close again in the 35th minute. A King corner was headed down by Scott Walker for Sharp, but his outstretched boot could only knock the ball over.
Having enjoyed success with long throws from the right, City tried their luck from the opposite side of the park in the 38th minute. Sharp’s throw found Graham Gibson and his overhead effort struck the top of the bar and bounced over.
Late in the half, Arbroath forced a few corners but they were all easily dealt with and City went into half time with a thoroughly deserved lead.

Five minutes into the second half, Brechin got themselves a cushion with a third goal. Manny Panther went on a good run down the right and wasn’t closed down. He cut inside and curled a beautiful left footed shot into the top corner.
Arbroath were not helping their own cause with their poor defending of set-pieces and had a let-off in the 54th minute. King’s corner found Scott Walker for a virtually free header, but the ball went inches wide of the post.
At times the second half was quite physical with Arbroath realising they weren’t going to beat Brechin by letting Ian Campbell’s men play. But City weren’t to be pushed around and more than matched their opponents in this capacity as well.
Gavin Swankie had a quiet afternoon for the home team, but showed some signs of magic in the 77th minute with a dangerous run, but his ball across goal was deflected behind for a corner.
Brechin replied with a quick throw in by Charlie King to Grant Johnson, but his effort was comfortably saved by Inglis.
Brechin then wrapped up the three points, with seven minutes remaining. John Cusick attempted to pass the ball back to a defender, but instead played a beautiful through ball for Steve Hampshire who easily knocked the ball past Neil Inglis to make it 4-1.
Moments later, Brechin almost made it 5 with a superb run from Charlie King, but he just ran out of energy at the wrong time and blazed the shot over the bar.
With a couple of minutes left, Craig Nelson was forced into his only real save of the game. A snapshot from the edge of the box by Swankie was expertly tipped over the bar by City’s number 1.

Overall, a superb result and performance from City. Arbroath are an improved team, but City were on top form today with some great play. The Red Lichties are now deep in relegation trouble while City look certain to win promotion.

Brechin now have a break because of the Scotland game next week. The next game is at home to Morton on April 2nd. If the Ton fail to win their game in hand at Alloa on Tuesday, victory for City that day will secure promotion. Stranraer meanwhile play their game in hand against Dumbarton on Saturday.

Other Results - Bell's League Division 2

Alloa Athletic 2 Berwick Rangers 2

A point not really enough for Berwick at Alloa.

Forfar Athletic 1 Ayr United 0

Forfar set about cementing their place in Division 2 next season.

Morton 2 Stirling Albion 0

Morton kill off Stirling's faint promotion hopes, while keeping themselves in with a shout.

Stranraer 2 Dumbarton 1

Stranraer ensure their are no slip-ups with a win at Dumbarton.