Match Report - By Steven Mew

City got their Highland League campaign off to an ideal start with a comfortable victory over Turriff United yesterday afternoon, but had to do so with ten men for much of the second half.

In front of a healthy support of 515 at a sun-soaked Glebe Park, there was a real air of anticipation amongst the City faithful as Andy Kirk’s men looked to hit the ground running – and they delivered.

After netting the winner against Alloa in midweek, Marc Scott came into the starting 11 to replace the injured David Cox whilst skipper Iain Davidson returned from suspension at the expense of Luc Bollan who dropped to the bench.

City came flying out the traps as they chased an early goal with Kucheriavyi shooting wide after 3 minutes and shortly after, Jack Milne fired over from the edge of the box.

On 20 minutes Kucheriavyi got to the byline before cutting back for Inglis who couldn’t connect properly, shooting tamely at the keeper. Several minutes later, Jack Milne had a go from range but his powerful effort was pushed away by Dey in the Turriff goal.

City continued to dominate proceedings and came close again when Marc Scott was denied by the keeper and the rebound fell kindly for Currie who saw his effort headed off the line. From the resulting corner, Jack Milne headed over.

The impressive Marc Scott was having plenty of joy down the right hand side and he had two shots blocked before City finally got the goal that their play deserved on 28 minutes. A floated corner to the edge of the box saw Kucheriavyi head into the danger area to GREGOR JORDAN who swivelled and stroked the ball home from a few yards out for his first City goal.

The advantage was doubled just two minutes later when MARC SCOTT received a pass on the edge of the box and he curled a splendid effort into the corner for his second goal in as many games.

It could have easily been a quickfire third for City as Rory Currie converted a cross from Inglis. However the goal was chalked off, with the ball just out of play before the delivery.

Despite City’s dominance, the visitors pulled a goal back five minutes before the break when some slack defending in the box allowed RORY BROWN to slot past Wills from close range.

The goal would have given the visitors some hope going into the break however that was quickly banished three minutes into the second half as City added a third. Garry Wood did well down the right hand side before supplying the cross for RORY CURRIE to bundle into the net from a few yards out.

City’s hopes of further adding to their advantage in the second half suffered a setback as they were reduced to ten men after 51 minutes, with on-loan Aberdeen midfielder Jack Milne receiving a second yellow.

Despite being a man down, City continued to have much of the ball and Garry Wood was unlucky to see his lobbed effort land just wide after a terrific ball forward from Bain down the left hand side.

On 65 minutes the visitors thought they had pulled a goal back as they headed home from a cross, however the linesman had his flag up for offside.

City continued to push forward in search of a 4th goal, with Currie unlucky to see his shot go wide of the far post after beating his man down the left side.

With two minutes remaining, Kieran Inglis was played clean through on goal but was denied by the on-rushing keeper. The ball rebounded for Garry Wood who had the ball in the net but for the third time in the match, the goal was chalked off for offside.

Overall, a successful opening day for City who could have easily come away with a more convincing scoreline. Next up is another home fixture against Keith next Saturday.