Match Report - By Steven Mew

This match was termed as a ‘must win’ game for City if they still had any realistic ambitions to finish in 8th place as before the match Stranraer sat a mammoth 13 points in front of City, and 12 in front of 9th placed Queen of the South. Since gaining promotion alongside City last season Stranraer have equipped themselves well and currently find themselves in a fantastic position in the division as they look to avoid relegation after two successive promotions. City meanwhile, were hoping to build on some recent performances which has seen them edged out narrowly by league leaders St Mirren, Ross County and SPL outfit Falkirk in the 3rd round of the Scottish Cup.

Both clubs have made A few signings during the transfer window, with Ian Campbell bringing in young starlets Chris Geddes, Scott Devlin and Danny Grainger to compliment the experience that currently exists in the side. Stranraer meanwhile have bid farewell to skipper Allan Jenkins, who switched to 2nd division leaders Gretna. The blues have also moved to sign Bryan Gilfillan and Stephen Payne from neighbours Gretna and QoS respectively.

Paul Deas made his comeback from injury with a start on the bench while Danny Grainger made his City debut at left back.

Stranraer started off the brighter of the two teams and Stephen Payne attempted to make amends on his debut when his low drive was comfortably saved by Craig Nelson. A couple of minutes later Lee Sharp sent in a cross which was stabbed towards goal by Stephen Swift, but Craig Nelson was once again on hand to save.

The blues came extremely close to opening the scoring in the 20th minute. Stephen Payne whipped a cross into the box which was met by the head of Michael Moore, but his goalbound header was superbly tipped onto the post by Craig Nelson and then the rebound was struck wide.

It took City almost half an hour to register a shot on goal when Davie White’s cross fell to new recruit Danny Grainger at the back post, but he didn’t catch the volley well and the ball went past the post.

Stranraer attacked again and Michael Moore, who was a constant thorn in the flesh for City throughout, tested Nelson again with a shot at the back post after Lee Sharps cross had fallen nicely for the experienced striker.

City’s best chance of the half came on the stroke of half time when Alex Burns picked the ball up 35 yards from goal and with nothing else going for him, the in-form sweeper had a strike for goal which was well saved by Barry John Corr.

Alex Burns then had the first chance of the second half after 55 minutes when City won a free kick 25 yards from goal. Toastie stepped up and curled a decent strike round the wall which went inches past the post.

Two minutes later Lee Sharp’s corner was met at the near post by Stephen Swift, but his neat flick went wide of the goal before Stephen Payne’s drive was well saved by Nelson.

Brechin then started putting the Stranraer rearguard under some pressure for the remaining 20 minutes. Davie White came close with a glancing header from Stuart Callaghan’s free kick but the ball went straight into the arms of Barry John Corr.

City’s best chance of the match occurred after 73 minutes when Steven Hampshire turned superbly on the edge of the box before striking a dipping volley which was well tipped over by Corr in the Stranraer goal. Minutes later Hampshire again spun on the edge of the area before striking a shot over the bar.

Overall, a disappointing result for City when they really needed 3 points if they have any realistic ambitions to catch Stranraer in 8th place. This now looks increasingly unlikely but this point may well come in handy at the end of the season if City are battling it out for a play-off spot.

Dundee next up for City at Glebe Park next Saturday, kick off for this one is 3pm.

Other Results - Bell's League Division 1

Airdrie United 1 St Mirren 4

Saints smash Airdrie as their good recent run goes on.

Clyde 2 St Johnstone 3

St Johnstone edge out Clyde in a 5 goal thriller.

Dundee 0 Ross County 0

Drab, goalless draw at Dens Park.

Queen of the South 1 Hamilton Academical 1

Queens pick up valuable point at home to Hamilton.