Match Report - By Steven Mew

City travelled to Cumbernauld to take on a Clyde side who started the game 12 points in front of City, in 6th place. The two sides have already met each other twice so far this season, in both cup and league duty. City beat the Bully Wee in the Bell’s Cup after extra time while the league match ended in a share of the spoils, in a 1-1 draw. Every match is crucial at the moment as City aim to close the gap between themselves and the rest of the division, but they came up against a very strong, youthful Clyde side who seemed to be getting better by the week.

Clyde had the better of the opening 20 minutes or so, forcing a few corners but none came to any clear-cut chances. The first real chance of the game fell to Brechin against the run of play. Gerry Britton placed an excellent reverse ball to Darren Smith, who latched onto the pass, rounded Paul Jarvie, and while the angle was getting tighter and tighter by the second, Smith’s shot hit the top of bar.

This came as a warning to Clyde who started creating some chances and came agonisingly close to the opener. Alex William’s cross from the right hand side who met by a downwards header by Tom Brighton, and the difficult bounce was superbly tipped over by Craig Nelson. Craig Bryson also tried his luck from range but his ambitious effort flew over the bar.

With just over half an hour on the clock, Clyde got a deserved opener. Eddie Malone’s corner was eventually tipped into the air by Craig Nelson, but Alex Williams was there to nod the ball the ball over the line. While the Clyde players celebrated with Alex Williams, the City defenders stood in disbelief that the ball crossed the line, but from my angle if definitely looked as if it did so.

That appeared to be the last action of a disappointing first half, but the crowd of 984 were to be entertained with a couple of excellent goals shortly after the break.

Barely four minutes into the second half, City got a fortunate equaliser out of the blue. The ever impressive Kevin Byers received a pass 30 yards out from goal, and the adventurous playmaker struck a fantastic shot past the bewildered Jarvie and into the net to stun the home side.

The lead didn’t last for long though, as two minutes later the Bully Wee retained their one goal lead. Eddie Malone was once again the provider when his cross reached an unmarked Mick McGowan at the back post, who had the easy task of curling the ball past a despairing Craig Nelson.

In the closing stages, Clyde made a couple of opportunities to seal the game but couldn’t convert. Tom Brighton’s shot on the turn just went over the bar before William’s had a shot blocked by Craig Nelson.

Overall, another disappointing performance against a young and energetic Clyde side who seem to be getting better by the week. Next up for City is Ross County at Glebe Park, sounds familiar? It may do so, as this was the exact fixture where Brechin got their first win of the campaign two seasons ago in the first division. Let’s hope we can repeat that feat!

Other Results - Bell's League Division 1

Airdrie United 4 Dundee 0

Airdrie hammer Dundee, opening the scoring after only 15 seconds.

Hamilton Academical 2 Stranraer 0

Comfortable home win for Hamilton after their thrashing in mid-week.

Ross County 2 St Johnstone 1

Ross County pick up three points against the Perth side.

St Mirren 2 Queen of the South 0

Comfortable home victory for the Saints against lowly Queens.