Match Report - By Grant Hood

Brechin City stay rooted to bottom spot in Ladbrokes League One following a goal-less draw against Stenhousemuir at Ochilview. It was however an encouraging performance from a City side which, perhaps understandably given the league placings at present, seem somewhat bereft of confidence in front of goal.

City’s starting line-up saw only one change from the defeat at Stranraer, with newly-recruited Aberdeen loanee Lukas Culjak slotting into yet another central defensive pairing with Darren McCormack, with player-manager Dods opting for the bench.

The first half an hour saw little in the way of meaningful attempts on goal from either team. Impressive City midfielder Lewis Spence saw 2 quick-fire double efforts blocked, the second for a corner. A notable observation here was that the home side were clearly under instruction to defend in numbers, in that The Warriors continually positioned all 11 players in the penalty area to defend City corners.

At the other end, a terrific tackle from debutant Culjak snuffed out the danger after a surging run from home skipper Mark Gilhaney, who was thwarted once again moments later – this time by a superbly timed block challenge by Darren McCormack.

Keeper Graeme Smith came to City’s rescue right on 45 minutes, diving low to his right hand post to keep out a dangerous drive from former Red Lichtie striker, Alan Cook. ‘Buzz’ followed this up early in the second half, with an altogether more comfortable save, this time from Colin McMenamin.

Worryingly for City, the Glebe Parkers’ defensive injury woes continued, this time with Darren McCormack leaving the field, forcing player-manager Darren Dods into action once again.

On the hour mark, City created the clearest chance of match thus far, with a sliding David Weatherson unable to make the required contact to a low driven cross from Andy Jackson.

With only 12 minutes remaining, and the game opening up, a slip from Culjak saw home substitute Carlos Manzana-Martinez gather possession only to see his ferocious long-range effort slam off the face of the crossbar.

As the game moved beyond 90 minutes, Andy Jackson fizzed a ball across goal from City’s left and, not for the first time on the night, there were no takers.

Deep into added-on time the City defence rode their luck as the ball pinged around the goalmouth, with ‘Buzz’ denying a late home winner with a smart stop, and home attackers twice failing to net in the follow up action.

With both sides feeling they ‘could have won it’ any neutrals in the 213 crowd would doubtless suggest a draw was about right. Going into the match the Manager had clearly placed a greater demand on his players, who responded well, despite not securing that elusive win. It does however give cause for optimism as City prepare for their third consecutive away game, this time a clash with Albion Rovers at Coatbridge on Saturday.

Other Results - Ladbrokes League One

Albion Rovers 0 Stranraer 2

Quick-fire double secures 3 points for The Blues