Match Report - By Steven Mew

Brechin welcomed Airdrie United at Glebe Park this afternoon who finished 5th in the 1st division last season after being promoted the previous year. However, the aim for Airdrie this year is survival as they have lost arguably their three best players over the summer in Alan Gow, who went to Falkirk, Marvyn Wilson, who went to Hamilton and Owen Coyle, who took up the managerial position at St Johnstone. While this was far from a “six pointer”, it gave City the chance to distance themselves from the foot of the table and rack up the first win of the season. Ian Campbell made two changes to the side that drew against Queen of the South at Palmerston last weekend. David White came in for the injured Gary Bollan while Stuart Callaghan replaced Graham Gibson.

Brechin started the game brightly but just 5 minutes into the match, referee Colin Hardie awarded Airdrie a penalty for no apparent reason, once again underlining what an awful referee he is. A cross was headed away by the Brechin defence before Hardie pointed to the spot and then issued a yellow card to Grant Johnson. It still remains to be seen what Grant Johnson did as no Airdrie players claimed for a penalty and they were just as confused as the Brechin players when Hardie pointed to the spot. However, experienced hit-man Brian McPhee confidently stepped up and struck his spot kick low and towards the corner, but Craig Nelson saved brilliantly.

Brechin then proceeded to dominate possession and the first real chance of the game for City was when Paul Ritchie headed wide from a good cross from the right. Airdrie went up the other end and came close to the opener as a shot from an awkward angle looked to be creeping into the corner but Nelson got down well to save.

Brechin looked dangerous and always looked the more likely to open the scoring. Paul Ritchie hit the inside of the post after being put clean through but the linesman had already put up his flag for offside. Ritchie was once again in the thick of the action as he glanced a cross from the right just past the post.

With 24 minutes on the clock, Brechin finally got the opener they deserved. An excellent passing move saw Alex Burns thread a superb ball into Grant Johnson who made no mistake, striking the ball past the despairing Lee Holus and into the corner.

The end of the half saw no real chances being created, mainly due to Colin Hardie stopping and starting the game for petty fouls when playing advantage would have been the most sensible option, maybe he needed to take a breather every minute to keep up with the game!

City players went in at half time well on top and another goal would have probably sealed the three points as Airdrie posed no real threat upfront in the first half.

Alex Burns came close just into the second half but his powerful drive was well saved by the Airdrie United goalkeeper, and ‘Toastie’ came close shortly after, the ball fell for him in front of an open goal after Lee Holus fumbled and his shot looked to be sailing high into the net, but an Airdrie defender was on hand to head the ball away and keep them in the game.

Airdrie had very few clear cut chances throughout the game but did come close when Nelson saved a low shot from inside the area. However, minutes later City had a glorious chance to extend their lead as Stuart Callaghan was played through on goal, but his effort was well blocked by Lee Holus in the Airdrie goal and when the ball rebounded back to Callaghan, he stupidly punched the ball wide of the goal without thinking.

Airdrie then had a spell where they put the Brechin defence under pressure but the Diamonds got an undeserved equaliser 10 minutes from time. A scramble in the penalty area saw 2 shots blocked by City defenders before Stephen McKeown rifled low into the net.

City players didn’t give up though, and the introduction of Kevin Byers sparked life into the team with his trickery in midfield. Byers came close just a couple of minutes after the equaliser as he cut inside the Airdrie penalty box before slamming the ball off the outside of the post and out for a goal kick. As the minutes ticked away Steven Hampshire struck a poor shot which went high and wide of the goal.

Overall, Brechin played reasonably well but were far too careless in midfield. Grant Johnson once again had an impressive match and again netted a crucial goal, his experience really shows and his fitness level is that of a 20 year old! Alex Burns held the ball up well and was awarded Man of the Match while Scott Walker and David White were impressive in defence, along with keeper Craig Nelson who made some excellent saves.

A tricky fixture next week away from home against title contenders St Mirren, but if the players play to their ability then a draw or even three points is not out of reach!

Other Results - Bell's League Division 1

Dundee 3 Queen of the South 1

Comfortable win for Dundee while Queen of the South remain bottom.

Ross County 0 Hamilton Academical 0

A no scoring affair in the highlands.

St Johnstone 1 St Mirren 2

The buddies shock St Johnstone after their excellent start.

Stranraer 1 Clyde 2

Stranraer go down to a late goal by Stephen O'Donnell.