Match Report - By Keith Johnston

Brechin welcomed local rivals Forfar for the closing game of the season. City knew they would be presented with the 2nd Division trophy after the game, while Forfar were in the mood to upset the party atmosphere.

Brechin started the game very well, forcing a couple of early corners. The first of those was taken by Stuart Callaghan and cleared as far as James Sharp at the edge of the box. His shot was headed for the corner but Michael Brown showed why he has a reputation as one of the best keepers in the league with a great save.
Brechin continued to have the better of the possession in the first ten minutes, but were never really able to penetrate the Forfar rearguard.
As time progressed, Forfar began to come more into the game. A good move down the right resulted in Ricky Waddell having space for a shot at the far post, but Craig Nelson made a good save to deny him.
City’s keeper had to be at his best to keep Waddell out again 7 minutes later. He found space to take a couple of touches in the box before firing in a shot that was too close to Nelson. Moments later, Paul Shields set-up Mathu King but he put the shot wide of the target.
On the half hour mark, some excellent build-up play by Brechin resulted in an Ally Mitchell effort that was well wide.
Ten minutes later, a misplaced clearance by Paul Lunan fell to Charlie King in the box. He looked up and found Stuart Callaghan but his shot was a poor one.
Forfar broke up the other end and it took a good piece of defending at the far post by Steven Ferguson to prevent them taking the lead.

Brechin were given an early warning in the second half when Barry Sellars played the Loons’ top scorer Paul Shields clean through. Craig Nelson came out to save brilliantly at his feet.
Ian Campbell’s men responded with a good one-two involving King and Gibson, but the former’s final shot bounced weakly into the arms of Brown.
With 55 minutes on the clock, Brechin presented Forfar with an opening goal. A breakdown in communication between Paul Deas and Stuart Callaghan was seized on by Waddell. He played the ball inside to Mathu King who made no mistake.
Three minutes later, City were two goals behind. Shields combined well with King whose shot was well saved by Nelson, but the rebound fell for David McClune to tap home.
Brechin looked a bit dazed, and Forfar went in for the kill with a third goal ten minutes later. Barry Sellars went on a good run and the Brechin defenders didn’t know whether to go to him or pick up Paul Shields. In the end they did neither, allowing Sellars to bide his time and pick Shields out. His crisp strike gave Craig Nelson no chance.
The game was over and although Brechin had a couple of efforts on goal, it could easily have become more embarrassing. King played Shields clean through again in the 79th minute, but he put the shot wide.
In the last minute, Charlie King tried his luck with a shot from 30 yards, but Michael Brown made a comfortable save.

Overall, a disappointing end to the season on the park for Brechin. Afterwards, the second division trophy was presented to the squad and the result was quickly forgotten as the celebrations began. Roddy Black was also given a momento of his ten years service with the club by the Supporters Club and Steve Hampshire was presented with the Supporters’ Player of the Year award.

City fans have the opportunity to get their photo taken with the trophy tomorrow morning from 10-12. Ian Campbell will be in attendance at Glebe Park, as will the club photographer.

Other Results - Bell's League Division 2

Alloa Athletic 3 Stranraer 0

Stranraer suffer the same magnitude of defeat as Brechin.

Arbroath 3 Stirling Albion 2

Too little too late.

Ayr United 1 Dumbarton 1

Honours even between Ayr and Dumbarton.

Morton 4 Berwick Rangers 2

Also too little too late.