Match Report - By Steven Mew

Brechin made the long trek down to Dumfries today to take on Queen of the South, hoping to get at least a point on the board after undeservedly losing to Hamilton last week. Queens hadn’t made the start they would have wished for last week-end, as they were hammered 4-0 away to promotion hopefuls St Johnstone, obviously not helped by the fact Gary Wood got sent off early on in the second half.

Brechin once again started with Craig Nelson between the sticks. Gary Bollan, Paul Deas, Scott Walker and Craig McEwan all started in the defence while the midfield consisted of Grant Johnson, Ally Mitchell and Graham Gibson, who was playing on the right wing. Ian Campbell opted for 3 forwards, which were Steven Hampshire, Paul Ritchie and Alex Burns, his first start in a competitive match for Brechin.

Queens started the game brightly and came close early on as David McNiven struck a shot straight at Nelson just a couple of minutes into the match. The Brechin keeper was once again called into action 10 minutes later as he blocked a shot from Stephen Payne which was cleared for a corner by Paul Deas.

Brechin had their first real chance of the game after 25 minutes. Brechin won a free kick 25 yards out from goal and it was struck by Gary Bollan, but sadly the ball flew well over the bar.

Five minutes later Queens had a good chance at the other end, Tommy English had a go for goal but the fierce strike was tipped over by the ever impressive Craig Nelson. Just minutes later the Doonhamers had a glorious chance to open the scoring, Derek Lyle was put through on goal, only to drag his shot well wide when he only had Nelson to beat. Queens really should have been ahead soon after; a mix-up in the City defence saw Steve Bowey close in on goal, only to be denied by Craig Nelson.

The last chance of the half fell to Alex Burns, but the striker shot wide of the goal. Ian Campbell had to make a change just minutes before half time as David White replaced the injured Gary Bollan, so Paul Deas then switched to the left hand side while White paired up with Scott Walker in the heart of defence. Into the second half, both teams were careless in midfield with many loose passes and the first real chance in the second half was after 63 minutes as Nelson once again tipped over a dangerous shot from outside the box.

Alex Burns once again came close for Brechin 10 minutes from time, he made a run down the right hand side before cutting in and looked destined to score, but his shot was poor and it bobbled harmlessly wide of the goal. Burns missed a sitter minutes later and it was arguably the best chance of the game. A cross from the left was headed onto Burns who was unmarked right in front of goal; ‘Toastie’ had time to take the ball down but instead headed weakly into the arms of Richard Barnard.

As the game came to a close there was a chance for either side. Steve Bowey had an effort saved by Craig Nelson while at the other end Paul Ritchie shot wide of the goal.

Overall, a very disappointing performance from Brechin but otherwise an impressive result. Palmerston is never an easy place to go and I’m sure ‘Pink’ will be pleased with the point. There was absolutely no doubt about Brechin's man of the match; Craig Nelson was once again outstanding between the sticks after his amazing performance against Partick midweek, more of the same Nelly!

City have Airdrie United at home next week, it’s crucial to pick up points early on in the campaign and with Airdrie making a poor start, it’s not impossible to pick up all three points.

Other Results - Bell's League Division 1

Airdrie United 0 Ross County 1

Airdrie Utd continue with their poor recent form, while County have a 100% record so far.

Clyde 1 Dundee 1

Promotion hopefuls Dundee held to a draw by Clyde at Broadwood.

Hamilton Academical 0 St Johnstone 1

The Perth Saints continue their good start to the season with a tight win over Hamilton.

St Mirren 0 Stranraer 0

The Buddies held to a goalless draw by Stranraer at Love Street.