Match Report - By Keith Johnston

Brechin went into today’s game knowing a victory would secure first division football next season. City were also looking to complete a clean sweep over Ayr. Ian Campbell brought in Graham Gibson for injured Steven Ferguson (the only change from last week’s team). In the week leading up to the game, the media created a fantasy that Brechin were “bottling it”, but City set about proving them wrong.

City started the game quite brightly, having some good possession and crosses. However, Ayr also threatened with Steve Hamilton forced into a good headed clearance under pressure from Richard Buckley.
Buckley was again in the action in the eleventh minute when he took a free-kick after Scott Walker had fouled Andrew Ferguson at the edge of the box. Fortunately his effort threatened the cemetery more than Craig Nelson’s goal.
In the sixteenth minute, City won a free-kick down the left that was taken by Charlie King. He played a great ball in for James Sharp at the far post, but Barry McLaughlin did really well to prevent him making it two goals in two games. From the resultant corner, King crossed for Scott Walker but he put it over the top.
Another King set-piece led to City’s next chance, in the 24th minute. The corner was cleared as far as Craig Winter at the edge of the box, but he was unable to keep his effort down.
Brechin came agonisingly close to taking the lead in the 27th minute. Steve Hampshire and James Sharp combined down the left to setup Charlie King. He cut inside and hit a powerful shot that beat John Hillcoat all ends up but struck the crossbar.
City continued to press for the opener as the interval approached and a James Sharp throw three minutes from the break created an opportunity for Graham Gibson, but Hillcoat made a good save to deny him.
From the corner, City were awarded a penalty. Assistant referee Jason Hassen had his flag up having spotted an infringement in the box. Referee Mike Ritchie went over and consulted Hassen before booking Marc Smyth and, after some delay, pointing to the spot. Ayr’s players were furious and to be fair nobody in a red shirt, or the crowd, shouted for a penalty. However, Smyth had punched the ball clear and top marks to the assistant for spotting it. After last week’s injury time farce, City needed a cool head to slot the penalty away. Experienced striker Paul Ritchie was the man given the task, and he sent Hillcoat the wrong way.

Having scored two minutes before half-time, Brechin then came out and scored two minutes into the second half to leave the visitors with a mountain to climb. James Sharp played the ball over the top for Steve Hampshire. McLaughlin tried to clear, but only succeeded in knocking the ball down for Graham Gibson who turned and buried his 13th of the season.
Five minutes later, Brechin were in search of a third and Sharp’s cross for Ritchie required an excellent intervention by Smyth to prevent it.
Midway through the half though, Brechin got a bit sloppy and Ayr had a succession of chances that they really should have got something from. First a cross by Chaplain found Buckley. His header was a good one, but Craig Nelson pulled off a fantastic save to deny him.
Moments later, Buckley returned the favour to Chaplain, picking the number 10 out at the far post, but he blazed over despite having time to steady himself for the shot.
A great run by Willie Lyle then saw him pick out Buckley in the wide position, but there were no takers for his excellent drilled cross.
Brechin replied with a superb through-ball by substitute Kevin Byers for Steve Hampshire. He unselfishly tried to pick out Paul Ritchie when he perhaps should have gone for goal himself, allowing McLaughlin to get back and clear.
Brechin had another scare with 15 minutes remaining. A shot by Andrew Ferguson had Craig Nelson beaten, but the woodwork saved the keeper’s blushes and David White was on hand to boot the rebound clear.
Time was running out for the visitors and City looked on course for Division 1. With seven minutes left, Charlie King went on a brilliant run but his shot was straight at the keeper.
But City wrapped up the three points, and promotion, in the first minute of stoppage time. Charlie King collected the ball on the right and played a superb ball through for Steve Hampshire. City’s top scorer made no mistake with a great finish to chip the ball over the advancing Hillcoat.

Overall, a decent performance by Brechin and the result wraps promotion. Some of City’s younger supporters invaded the pitch in celebration as the players were given a standing ovation by the remainder of the crowd. A richly deserved moment for all concerned at the club.

Results elsewhere saw Morton keep up the pressure on Stranraer for the second promotion spot. The men from Stair Park failed to pick up all three points though. This is good news for City as it means victory over Berwick next week will wrap up the championship at Glebe Park, regardless of other results.

Other Results - Bell's League Division 2

Arbroath 2 Berwick Rangers 0

Arbroath keep their hopes of survival alive with a good win.

Morton 2 Alloa Athletic 0

Morton keep up the pressure on Stranraer.

Stirling Albion 3 Dumbarton 0

This result means Dumbarton are only two points above the relegation zone.

Stranraer 0 Forfar Athletic 0

Stranraer forced to settle for a point by Forfar.