Match Report - By Steven Mew

City took on league leaders St Mirren last night in what was Paul Deas and John Hillcoat's second match in charge as caretaker managers. City supporters were delighted to see the team battling hard last Saturday despite throwing away a two goal lead in the space of two minutes and they hoped that this would continue into the match against the table topping Buddies.

City had played reasonably well in all three matches against St Mirren in the league this season, yet the Buddies have managed to scrape a win by the odd goal in all three. City travelled to Love Street earlier in the season and lost 1-0 with Stewart Kean netting a spot kick for the hosts, while Craig McEwan skied a penalty for City later on in the match. In the rescheduled match at Glebe Park in November, St Mirren ran out 3-2 winners while the match at Love Street on Hogmanay also ended in that scoreline.

John Hillcoat and Paul Deas had the luxury of a full squad to choose from as Gary Bollan and Danny Grainger returned from suspension. St Mirren, meanwhile, were without the injured Andy Millen.

City attacked from the start and came close to the opener after eight minutes when Gerry Britton nodded the ball down for Steven Hampshire, but his shot was well saved by St Mirren keeper Tony Bullock. Just a few minutes later Steven Hampshire played the ball inside for Kevin Byers who skied his shot well over the bar.

City continued to pile on the pressure and eight minutes later Steven Hampshire played the ball across for Gerry Britton, who controlled the ball and stuck just wide of the far post.

St Mirren's first real chance of the game occurred after 22 minutes when Charlie Adam’s drive was saved comfortably by Craig Nelson, and just a couple of minutes later St Mirren scored the opener on the run of play. Hugh Murray did well to keep the ball in play before delivering a perfect cross for John Sutton to head home, despite the efforts of Craig Nelson to keep it out.

Brechin were not too downhearted after the goal as they continued to attack from the restart when Ally Mitchell drove the ball well wide from 30 yards.

A couple of minutes before the break and a lapse in concentration nearly cost Brechin dear. A St Mirren player threaded a ball through for John Sutton and with the City rearguard standing still claiming for offside; Craig Nelson rushed off his line to save at the feet of the former Dundee and Millwall striker.

The Buddies were certainly fortunate to be in the lead at half time when the least City deserved was a draw at this point.

City started the second half the way they started the first by putting the St Mirren defence under some pressure. A few minutes into the second half Gerry Britton’s netbound shot was headed clear by Kevin McGowne.

However, after 51 minutes St Mirren went up the field on the counter attack and scored a second goal. Some good work on the wing by Charlie Adam ended in a teasing cross which was slid home by John Sutton at the back post.

Substitute Billy Mehmet was looking to end his goal drought but his shot on the turn was well saved by Craig Nelson.

City came close three minutes later when a good turn by Gerry Britton ended in a shot which went just past the post. Steven Hampshire was next to test the St Mirren goalkeeper but his drive was saved comfortably by Tony Bullock.

However, City were caught out in attack and St Mirren went up the other end of the pitch and scored a 3rd goal against the run of play three minutes from time when John Sutton completed his hat-trick. The big striker got past Scott Walker before firing the ball crisply into the far corner to confirm victory for the visitors.

Chris Templeman, who had replaced the tiring Gerry Britton, made a good turn before firing a drive which was parried away by the Saints keeper.

Overall, City will feel hard done by as they had a fair share of the possession and created just as many clear cut chances as the visitors. Brechin were by no means outclassed but the clinical finishing of John Sutton won all three points for the Paisley side.

Brechin now face the long journey south to Stranraer on Saturday hoping to pick up some points, however it won’t be easy as Stranraer are fighting for their lives with Queen of the South just above us for 8th place.

Other Results - Bell's League Division 1

Stranraer 2 Ross County 2

Late goal for Stranraer snatches a point.