Match Report - By Steven Mew

Brechin welcomed a Hamilton side to Glebe Park for the second time this season, and this was the third meeting between the two sides this season and it isn’t even Christmas yet! This is why the Scottish leagues are in desperate need of reconstruction. Hamilton were tipped as dark horses for the title this season and despite starting the campaign well and reaching the Bell’s Cup final, the side have struggled since then and have slipped back into 4th place. Brechin meanwhile, were still looking for that first win, otherwise they will have gone half the league campaign without a single victory. This is a shocking stat and Ian Campbell and his players were looking to get that elusive victory today.

Hamilton were the visitors to Glebe Park on the opening day of the season, and Brechin looked set to record their first point of the campaign before Lee Hardy netted an undeserved stoppage time winner for the Lanarkshire side. City then travelled down to New Douglas Park mid-way through October but Brechin did not perform as well in this clash, with Accies strolling to an easy 3-0 victory with Derek Fleming, Alex Neil and Paddy Keogh all on the scoresheet.

After last week-ends heavy defeat at home to St Johnstone, Ian Campbell decided to bring back Craig Nelson between the sticks, therefore relegating John Hillcoat to the bench after producing couple of decent performances in recent weeks.

In front of the rather sparse crowd of 482, Hamilton started brightly and took the lead just five minutes into the match. Paul McMullan made a good run down the left before crossing for Alex Neil, who volleyed high into the net from close range to give Accies an ideal start to the game.

This came as a wake up call to the City players who started spreading the ball about well across the park, but didn’t create any real clear cut chances. Accies striker Pat Keogh came close when his shot was well saved by Craig Nelson. Paul McLeod also tried to get on the scoresheet, but his header from Mark McLaughlin’s cross went wide of the post.

City settled down and started putting the Hamilton rearguard under some intense pressure. Ally Mitchell strode forward with the ball before supplying an excellent through ball for Paul Ritchie, who was denied by the on-rushing Dave McEwan in the Accies goal. Kevin Byers was next to have a go but his shot went horribly wide when it really should have gone on target. Barely a minute later Grant Johnson was next to test Dave McEwan, with a fantastic left foot drive which produced a fantastic diving save from the goalkeeper.

The second half started as the first ended, with City spreading the ball about well and creating some good chances. Stuart Callaghan played the ball through for Gerry Britton, but Dave McEwan was once again alert to rush off his line and deny the City forward.

On the hour mark, Craig Nelson showed exactly why he was chosen ahead of John Hillcoat with a fantastic save. Alex Neil floated a corner in from the right hand side which was met with a powerful downwards header by Paul McLeod, but Nelson somehow got across his goal to deny Hamilton a second.

With 73 minutes on the clock, Hamilton were reduced to 10 men when Paul McMullan was sent off for a second booking when he fouled Charlie King near the Hedge touchline.

With five minutes to go, City pressed for an equaliser and came agonisingly close just a few minutes from time when Scott Walker headed narrowly wide from a Stuart Callaghan free kick.

In the closing stages, Brechin were also reduced to 10 men. Gary Bollan was given a straight red for mouthing off at the linesman, so I presume he must have said something quite bad to merit a straight red!

Overall, City played reasonably well but poor finishing let them down against a disappointing Hamilton side, who only had 2 real chances throughout the game, and Nelson was rarely troubled. Best player for Brechin was Kevin Byers, who was subbed mid-way through the second half.

Next up for City is Airdrie United at New Broomfield next week who drew with Stranraer at Stair Park today. Airdrie have been playing well of late but our first win is not out of reach!

Other Results - Bell's League Division 1

Dundee 4 St Mirren 0

Shock of the day as struggling Dundee hammer table toppers St Mirren.

Ross County 0 Clyde 1

Clyde edge out Ross County at Victoria Park.

St Johnstone 2 Queen of the South 1

Saints edge out lowly Queens at McDiarmid.

Stranraer 1 Airdrie United 1

A share of the spoils at Stair Park.