Match Report - By Steven Mew

Brechin welcomed Queen of the South to Glebe Park yesterday evening, it may only be late October in Division One, but this fixture had that feeling of importance about it. A first league win of the season wouldn’t just please the manager, players and supporters alike, but it would also take City above Queens in the table. However…a defeat would do the exact opposite, and would see Queen of the South and the rest of the division build up a bigger gap than the one that already exists.

City had a few injury worries before the game, long term casualties Alex Burns and Craig McEwan were sidelined while skipper Paul Deas and Ally Mitchell were both injured also.

Barely a minute into the match had gone before Chris Boyle issued his first booking, Derek Lyle’s rash challenge on Bollan definitely deserved a caution. Queen’s started off the brighter of the two teams, Brian McLaughlin had a strike from outside the box well saved by Nelson. From the resulting corner Derek Lyle headed towards goal but his net-bound header was nodded off of the line by Steve Hamilton.

With half an hour gone, City netted the opener against the run of play. Kevin Byers found some space and lashed a shot towards goal from outside the area, which deflected of Stuart Hill’s foot and past Colin Scott in the Queens goal.

Brechin then proceeded to dominate the rest of the first half and could have gone in at the break with an unassailable lead. Steven Hampshire beat his man and with only the keeper to beat, struck tamely at Colin Scott. Minutes later Darren Smith found some space on the left hand side to lash a fierce shot over the bar. Gerry Britton headed an excellent cross wide before Steven Hampshire struck the inside of the post after some good play. Moments before the interval City came agonisingly close to doubling their lead, as Gerry Britton’s header was cleared off the line from a corner.

However, ten minutes into the second half Queen’s scored an equaliser against the run of play. Derek Lyle broke free on the left wing and whipped a cross into the box, Steve Hamilton attempted to head the ball out of the area but sadly his header somehow looped over Nelson and into the net.

On the hour mark, Brechin had a glorious chance to take the lead for the second time. Steven Hampshire broke clear on the right wing before squaring to Gerry Britton, but the experienced striker struck tamely at Colin Scott, when he really should have converted.

The game was turning into the Kevin Byers show, with the little midfield maestro showing exactly what he is capable of on his day, rounding a couple of Queens defenders but just as he was baring down on goal Colin Scott rushed out to collect.

As the game drew to a close Queens had a couple of half chances but both sides had to settle for a share of the points, a result that didn’t satisfy neither set of supporters at the final whistle.

Next week City take on Clyde at Broadwood, a match that City have to perform well in and pick up a result, otherwise Ian Campbell’s men will leave themselves with a rather large mountain to climb!

Other Results - Bell's League Division 1

St Johnstone 5 Hamilton Academical 1

Saints thrash title challengers Hamilton.

Stranraer 1 St Mirren 2

St Mirren get out of jail with a last minute winner.