Match Report - By Steve Mitchell

BRECHIN City were forced to wait, at least another week in what was an agonising afternoon for Ian Campbell’s side.

Even the most critical of City fans would find it hard to bemoan their team’s goal-scoring efforts this season – the best in the division – yet it was failings in front of goal which meant the City champagne is still on ice.

And yet, in horrendous weather conditions, a slice of luck and City would already be there....

Before the game started, fans, officials and players of both sides undertook a minutes silence in memory of Pope John Paul the Second who passed away earlier in the week

Referee Ian Frickelton immediately encountered the wrath of all City fans when Charlie King was fouled just inside the penalty area. Frickleton waved away City’s penalty claims and instead ordered a "drop ball" just outside the penalty area.

City gained a free kick about 30 yards out, which Paul Ritchie blasted straight at the Dumbarton wall. The veteran reacted cleverly and lobbed the rebound onto the roof of the Dumbarton net.

Ritchie was in the thick of the action again when his net-bound header was deflected for a corner. From the flag-kick, Stephen Grindlay held Scott Walker’s header.

Steven Hampshire then created a great opening with a cross from the right, which looked perfect for Ally Mitchell. But his diving-header hit the side netting

It was 20 minutes in before Craig Nelson was called into action. He tipped away Barry Donald’s header and James Sharp finished off the clearance.

Having scorned a few chances, City were almost made to pay when Dumbarton’s John Gemmell got his head to a Russell cross, which rebounded off the bar.

On the half-hour mark, a great Hampshire through ball sent Ritchie in on goal, but the City striker shot over. A couple of cautions saw Walker booked for a challenge on Gemmell and Donald followed him for hauling down Hampshire. Following the latter incident, Dempsie headed King’s free-kick clear.

City went so close again in the 38th minute. A great free-kick from Sharp was met at the far post by Ritchie’s boot, but he scooped the ball over the bar. Then Hampshire turned Robert Walker inside out, but was denied by a fine save from Grindlay.

Paul Ritchie had another opportunity right on the half-time whistle, but his glancing header went narrowly past the far post.

Given the number of chances City missed in the first half, it was ironic that Dumbarton scored first seven minutes after the restart, from a move that broke down on the edge of their own box. Craig Brittain found John Dillon and he raced forward before giving Craig Nelson no chance.

Brechin were now up against a Yellow sea of jerseys, often with ten men behind the ball. City replied in the 71st minute when Grindlay misjudged the flight of a Charlie King corner and James Sharp was on hand to hook the ball home.

The last 20 minutes was like a scene from “The Alamo”.

Campbell’s introduction of Kevin Byers and Graham Gibson for the hard-working Craig Winter and Paul Ritchie almost paid immediate dividends. Gibson raced on to a clever through ball from Hampshire and with the goal at his mercy shot straight at Grindlay.

Steven Ferguson, once again, arguably his side’s most influential player, was also replaced by Grant Johnson after picking up an injury.

Brechin went even closer when Steven Hampshire seemed to have placed a right-foot drive into the corner from close range, but the ball hit the inside of the post and along the goal-line with assembled red shirts unable to poke it the few millimetres over the line.

The frustration for Hampshire, arguably City’s most consistent performer of the season, grew in injury time. Craig Brittain handled the ball inside the box and Referee Frickleton pointed to the spot. There was, however, quite a long delay as Brittain and team-mates Mark Demspie and Craig McEwan were booked for complaining about the decision.

Whether the wait unsettled Hampshire, who knows? but Grindlay blocked the striker's spot-kick and Division One is still awaiting Brechin's’ arrival - surely not for too much longer?

On another day City might have scored a barrowload, but winning promotion is surely better in front of your own fans.

Other Results - Bell's League Division 2

Alloa Athletic 2 Arbroath 2

Arbroath throw away a two goal and now look set for Division 3.

Ayr United 0 Stirling Albion 3

Good away win for Stirling to cement their place in the top 4.

Berwick Rangers 1 Stranraer 2

Stranraer were looking comfortable until they conceded five minutes from time. They held on for a priceless win though.

Forfar Athletic 0 Morton 0

Morton undo their good work of last week with a draw at Forfar.