Match Report - By Grant Hood

Darren Dods took his Brechin City team back to one of his previous employers as the Glebe Park side kicked off the season’s competitive action in the Betfred Cup against Inverness Caledonian Thistle at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium.

Set pieces would be City’s downfall on the day, conceding from 2 corners and a free kick in what was a challenging 90 minutes.

The game was notable for the managerial debut of ICT’s John Robertson, who was appointed to the role for a second time during the close season following the club’s relegation from the Scottish Premiership.

Injuries and suspensions limited City’s squad with no fewer than six players unavailable for selection. There were starting debuts for Euan Spark, Sean Crighton and Kalvin Orsi – with registrations for the latter two only going through 24 hours prior. Isaac Layne made his first appearance since re-joining the Club after a successful loan spell towards the end of 2015 when he scored 4 goals in 8 appearances. Former Livingston player Jordan Sinclair would go on to make his City first appearance in a late stint from the bench.

City started brightly with Isaac Layne firing a 30-yard free kick narrowly over, and only just losing out in an exciting foot-race with Mark Ridgers in the home goal. Layne was again at the heart of the action in Brechin’s most exciting move of the match. He was released down the right flank and his lengthy cross ball picked out Ally Love, whose first time volley pinged only just wide of the left hand post.

The first pressure from the home side saw ‘Buzz’ pounce to grab an awkward deflection from skipper Paul McLean, and this growing pressure would result in the opening goal in 22 minutes which was as straight-forward as it was disheartening. A corner was delivered from the left and home skipper GARY WARREN rose highest to head home.

Sadly for the travelling fans, City’s first corner wasn’t as productive as Euan Spark headed over from inside the 6-yard box.

The home side grabbed a second when Liam Polworth took comfortable midfield possession from a free kick and fired a low drive into the penalty box. It was turned into the net by GARY WARREN to put the home side two goals up – a scoreline which was perhaps slightly harsh on City at this point.

After the break ICT continued very much on the front foot with impressive type of passing and movement which comes with the confidence a 2-goal lead brings. A third goal duly arrived as GEORGE OAKLEY headed home an Iain Vigurs corner.

City faded further out of the game as the home side dominated, the only question being whether they would add to their goals tally or not with some fine individual performances which would doubtless encourage the Inverness supporters.

Next up for City is an eagerly awaited home clash with county neighbours Forfar Athletic in another Betfred Cup Group A game, at The Glebe on Tuesday evening.