Match Report - By Steve Mitchell

Berwick pay the penalty

IN ALMOST 30 years watching Brechin City, the writer of this match report has been fortunate enough to see his side win at Berwick Rangers' Sheilfield Park on less occasions than he presently has fingers typing this report.

All the better then when a club. which has had a misplaced burden of favourites tag now firmly removed from its backs after two early defeats, responds to some early criticism to win and to allow those newly installed “favourites” near the top of the league enjoy their bask in glory.

Dick Campbell promised major changes to his side, never a man to mince his words, he duly delivered them. In came Craig Nelson and only four players, Paul Ritchie, Scott Walker, Paul Deas and Shaun Dennis retained their places. Indeed, sitting in the stand, most second division teams could have formed a decent side from the likes of Byers, King, McCulloch, Mitchell, etc etc.

Chris Jackson was given his first start of the season alongside Kevin McLeish in the heart of the midfield, Davie White returned to play as one of three centre backs with Jamie Smith and Paul Deas operating in wingback roles. Steven Hampshire returned from injury to partner Ritchie in the forward line.

The first half was very much a cat and mouse affair, Berwick were more direct than Brechin and liked to get the ball forward early. City on the other hand looked comfortable on another excellent playing surface operating a more studied approach.

City's passing, especially through midfield, unsettled the Berwick defence early on and Kevin McLeish was unfortunate on a couple of occasions, having made well-timed runs into the box, not to have the ball delivered to him earlier. Steven Hampshire also made a very bright start and when he decided to filter out to the left flank, he, on two separate occasions left full-back Andy Seaton standing, but the “killer” final ball wasn't quite there.

Jackson, who nipped at the heels, scratched and battled for every ball throughout the 90 minutes gave City the perfect opportunity to take the lead in the 27 th minute. The former Hibs man played a lovely one-two with McLeish and as he ran on to the return pass inside the box, “Jacko” went down under a challenge from David Murie. It was a soft penalty award and perhaps Berwick felt justice had been done when Gary O'Connor dived to his right to make a fine save from Paul Ritchie's spot-kick.

Berwick's real threat for most of the afternoon came from the left-boot of Steven Hampshire's brother Paul, whose delivery at free-kicks and corners was top notch. It was from once such occasion that Gareth Hutchison headed over Craig Nelson's crossbar.

Nelson covered himself in glory with an excellent double save in what was his only real action of the entire 90 minutes.

Brechin had plenty of the ball in the first 45 minutes, but had created just a few openings. There was a marked moving up of gears from City in the second half and once again they passed the ball more sharply and crisply than the home side.

Ian Little was introduced as a substitute and while he added some life to a lack-lustre Berwick forward line which was superbly shackled by Messrs White, Dennis and Deas, the home team looked less likely than City in front of goal. Little did have a sojourn up the right flank before sending in what looked like a cross to the far post, which ended up rebounding off the top of the upright.

City were given another opportunity when Murie needlessly fouled Chris Templeman who had replaced the injured Steven Hampshire, again inside the box. While the first penalty was a soft one, there was no doubt this time. Templeman was actually going to the corner flag with the ball, when Murie dived into reckless tackle and Referee Crawford Allan pointed to the penalty spot. The far side assistant had spotted Murie kicking the ball at Templeman as he lay on the deck and also having a kick off the ball at the big striker as he ran into the box, Murie was actually half-way off the park, before the referee even produced his red card.

However, the long-delay before the kick was taken must have unsettled “Sanny” as his spot-kick was saved by O'Connor, but the big man had the good sense to follow the kick up and tap home the rebound for his 50 th goal as a Brechin player.

Four minutes later, goal number 51 followed. If the big Fifer could have been given the opportunity to swap them round, he surely would have grabbed it, for this was a goal that only Chris Templeman could have scored – out wide right on the touch line he waltzed past Seaton, then left Horn for dead, before side-stepping McNicoll. The finish saw him curl the ball beyond the reach of O'Connor into the bottom right-hand corner – game over.

The most pleasing aspect – the three points apart – was Brechin's defence, which has born the brunt of much criticism of late. Davie White returned to something approaching his capabilities, Jamie Smith was a revelation and run himself into the ground, Shaun Dennis did the job any experienced pro should do and made sure folk kept their heads when some where losing theirs in the last 20 minutes. If there was an unsung hero in this City side it must be Chris Jackson, who chased everything, never once gave away possession and who may have just laid down the gauntlet to those presently sitting in the stand who think they should be on the park.

Far side assistant Steve McGeouch really should have “gone to Specsavers” he awarded Berwick a throw in after Seaton played the ball off Connell and he awarded Brechin a goal-kick after Scott Walker headed for a corner.

City still need more creative flair for openings for the front players, but the signs on Saturday were much better, good shape, good organisation and eventually Berwick were made to pay the missed penalty.

Other Results - Bell's League Division 2

Dumbarton 0 Morton 3

Morton show why they are the bookies' favourites with a convincing win over Dumbarton.

Forfar Athletic 5 Arbroath 0

Forfar retain their 100% record with a thrashing of Arbroath.

Stirling Albion 2 Alloa Athletic 0

Stirling also have a 100% record with Alloa proving no match on this occasion.

Stranraer 2 Ayr United 1

Stranraer claim all three points in a close match at Stair Park.