Match Report - By Steve Mitchell

Brechin made the long journey south on Saturday full of confidence after two league matches in which they had scored six goals with conceding. Somewhat surprisingly, Dick Campbell, changed the line-up from the previous week’s 4-0 winning XI against Alloa. This saw Charlie King on the bench, with the return of Shaun Dennis to the heart of the defence.

City actually started the game quite well with Graham Gibson prominent early on, but despite winning numerous high-balls there was few instances of the big Fifer linking-up with strike partner Paul Ritchie.

Stranraer grew in confidence but were gifted a goal in the 19th minute. Messrs Walker, Dennis and Deas pushed forward in a line, but Davie White didn’t follow them and his decision allowed the speedy Davie Graham a clear run at goal. Craig Nelson blocked the tiny striker’s first effort, only for the talented front man to net the rebound.

Jamie Smith was denied a glorious opportunity to level the scores when he headed in Gibson’s far post cross, only for Andy McConnachie to dive full length to block his effort.

If the first goal was sloppy, the second was straight off the Public Park. A corner from the left wasn’t dealt with and Fraser Wright was first to react to give his side a 2-0 lead.

Brechin’s only other attempt at goal in a lack-lustre first half was a Paul Ritchie effort, which flew over the bar. Despite the loss of two very sloppy goals, the only other thing Brechin were guilty of was resorting to attempt to play like the home side. Stranraer were very direct and while it works for them quite clearly, it isn’t everyone’s cup of Bovril. Breech looked much better when, on a few occasions in the first half, they got the ball down and passed it.

City were forced to restart with King on for Johnston who had taken ill and Hampshire on for Deas who had picked up a knock. Stranraer sat back early on and attempted to hit City on the break once again. This tactic worked wonders for the home side in the 51st minute. Steven Hampshire made a half-hearted challenge for the ball on the edge of the home box. The ball was quickly humped forward and the high ball beat Dennis allowing Finlayson a clear run at goal.

Exactly the same tactic and exactly the same approach brought goal number four three minutes later. And once again it was architect in chief, Davie Graham, who did the damage. City at this point looked like heading for a similar drubbing as they received at Stair Park almost two years to the day.

However, a more cautious, studied, approach led to Breech passing Stranraer off the park, albeit at four goals down. This more attractive approach led to City’s first goal in the 63rd minute. Hampshire was felled inside the box and Graham Gibson showed great maturity, given City’s recent history from the spot, to pick the ball up and net a text-book penalty.

Despite being three goals behind, City continued to press and the visitors’ defence which coped much worse with three front men and occasionally four to deal with, than they had done with two, withered a little.

This was reflected in the best goal of the game, certainly from a football point of view in the 70th minute, five or six short, crisp passes were exchanged before the ball was squared for Paul Ritchie to tap home.

City now appeared to have a feeling of hope that they could achieve what had appeared unthinkable. Jamie Smith headed a corner wide, Scott Walker did likewise and City’s only enemy now was the clock.

The Stranraer goal came under constant pressure and Kev McLeish attempted a long-range drive before being replaced by Chris Templeman. Templeman’s impact was immediate. He brought the ball down out of the air, turned two defenders inside out before chipping a delightful effort, which McConnachie acrobatically tipped over.

Templeman again somehow managed to squeeze a shot in from the line, which the goalkeeper saved; the goalkeeper then made another agile stop to turn White’s header for a corner.

It was not to be. Had City started the game in such a positive manner as they finished, the result may well have been different. But cheap and sloppy goals were conceded and getting caught up in an alien long-ball playing style created a lack of chances. Only when City saw the rewards of keeping the ball on the deck, did they look likely to get something. But by then, of course, the damage had been done.

Most Stranraer fans may be forced to wear neck-braces, but it has worked for them, so why should they change?

Other Results - Bell's League Division 2

Alloa Athletic 1 Ayr United 3

Alan McInally's chums produce a good win at Alloa.

Berwick Rangers 0 Dumbarton 4

Berwick's poor run continues with Dumbarton taking advantage today.

Forfar Athletic 0 Stirling Albion 2

Stirling beat Forfar in the top of the table clash at Station Park.

Morton 2 Arbroath 1

A narrow win for Morton against managerless Arbroath who visit Glebe Park next week.