Match Report - By Steven Mew

Brechin travelled to Stair Park yesterday hoping to claw back some of the ground that currently exists between themselves and Stranraer.

Stranraer had the better of the opening 20 minutes or so and created a few decent chances. Stephen Swift came close when his header from a Lee Sharp cross just went inches past the post. City then had Craig Nelson to thank for keeping the scoreline blank when he made a superb save to deny David Hamilton.

However, City went on to dominate the rest of the first half and deservedly took the lead ten minutes from the break. Stuart Callaghan's in-swinging corner was glanced into the net by Gerry Britton at the near post.

Stranraer had the first chance of the second half when Stephen Swift headed an Allan Jenkins cross over the top.

City then had a glorious opportunity to make the game safe just a couple of minutes later. Gerry Britton made a good run down the left hand side before cutting the ball back for on-form midfielder Kevin Byers, whose shot sailed agonisingly over the crossbar when it looked easier to score.

Byers didn't give up though and came close once again on the hour mark. The influential midfielder waltzed past the entire Stranraer defence but his shot was blocked, the rebound fell into the path of Grant Johnson, whose goalbound effort was superbly tipped round the post by Barry John Corr in the Stranraer goal.

However, Brechin's good work was undone in the 73rd minute when Stranraer scored an unlikely equaliser. Leigh Hinds had a shot superbly tipped round the post by Craig Nelson, but from the resulting corner, David Hamilton headed home from Ian Ross's excellent delivery.

As the game entered injury time, Brechin were reduced to 10 men when Craig Nelson blocked Allan Jenkins goalbound effort with the hands outside of the area. The referee had no option but to give Craig Nelson his first ordering off of his career.

Ian Campbell sacraficed Gerry Britton in order for substitute goalkeeper John Hillcoat to replace Nelson in the goal.

Hillcoat made amends almost instantly when he made an excellent save to deny Stephen Swift. From the resulting corner Stranraer had the ball in the net but the referee ruled it out due to pushing inside the box.

Both sides will be dissapointed with the point but Stranraer will be undoubtedly the happier of the two teams as they maintain their seven point lead over City. Brechin did however gain a point on QoS, who were hammered 5-2 by Hamilton at New Douglas Park.

Dundee is the next stop for Brechin, who haven't enjoyed the best of results recently.

Other Results - Bell's League Division 1

Hamilton Academical 5 Queen of the South 2

Hamilton cruise to an easy win over struggling QoS, who had McColligan sent off also.

Ross County 3 Dundee 0

Dundee slump to an another defeat, thanks to a spectacular John Rankin hat-trick.

St Johnstone 0 Clyde 0

Honours even at McDiarmid Park.