Match Report - By Steven Mew

Brechin travelled to McDiarmid Park on Saturday looking for their first win of the league campaign. However, City had many injury doubts before the match, as did the home side. City haven’t had a pleasant record against St Johnstone in the past, but did however beat the Saintee’s in successive seasons in the Bell’s Cup in 02/03 and 03/04.

It was as early as the 2nd minute when St Johnstone took the lead, but the goal was chalked off for a foul on Craig Nelson by Kevin Rutkiewicz. However, just a couple of minutes later Saints did get the opening goal. Darren Sheridan’s perfectly weighted pass was beautifully struck into the corner by the outside of Ryan Stevenson’s boot.

The home side continued to press for a second goal but instead City scored an equaliser against the run of play. Steven Hampshire got past a defender just outside the box before striking an ambitious effort into the net, in aid of a deflection.

City then proceeded to dominate play in the midfield but struggled to create any clear cut chances in the first half.

Just under 20 minutes from time, St Johnstone went in the lead for a second time. A cross from the right was headed into the net by Kevin James. Just three minutes later St Johnstone had a two goal cushion. The ball deflected into the path of Steven Milne who made no mistake from five yards out.

Typical of Brechin’s luck this season, Ian Campbell made a treble substitution before Alex Burns fell to the ground in agony and had to be stretchered off. City therefore had to play the rest of the game with 10 men.

Other Results - Bell's League Division 1

Clyde 1 Hamilton Academical 1

Honours even at Broadwood.

Dundee 1 Stranraer 1

Stranraer took a shot lead but Andrew Ferguson equalised for Dundee.

Queen of the South 1 Airdrie United 0

Queen's eventually get their first win of the season.

St Mirren 2 Ross County 0

St Mirren go top with a win over County.