Match Report - By John Hoey

BRECHIN CITY 1 AIRDRIE UNITED 1



Brechin City and Airdrie United shared a goal apiece after a hard-fought encounter at Glebe Park.

City started strongly and new short-term signing Bryan Hodge was unlucky not to open the scoring within the first minute when Diamonds keeper Conor Fairley dived at his feet to save a certain goal.

The hosts continued to press but it was the visitors who opened the scoring after 14 minutes.

The ball was played into the City box to Ryan Donnelly and the striker fired in a shot which City keeper Craig Nelson allowed to go under his body.

This goal gave Airdrie confidence, but they were dealt a blow in the 27th minute when defender Kieron Stallard was red-carded by referee Kevin Clancy for challenge from behind on Graham Weir.

Scott Buist had a couple of chances for City just before the break when he firstly headed over the bar from close-range and seconds later, he fired a pass from Gary Fusco over the top.

City pushed forward in the opening stages of the second-half, and they levelled the match within six minutes.

The ball was played through to Charlie King at the left-hand side of the penalty area and when he was then upended by Diamonds sub Nathan Blockley a penalty was the only option open to referee Clancy.

“ Chucky” then stepped up to blast the spot-kick past Faurley, giving the keeper no chance.

City should have taken the lead just a minute later when David Crawford was clean through, but the youngster mis-hit his shot right in front of goal.

City were driving forward and Fairley brought off a great save from Hodge in the 72nd minute and at the other end Paul Lovering hit a drive just past the post with seven minutes remaining.

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