Match Report - By Steven Mew

City returned to winning ways yesterday afternoon with an impressive 3-goal victory over fellow title chasers Brora Rangers at Dudgeon Park.

Andy Kirk’s side dropped points for the first time in the league against Huntly in midweek, however an assured performance up north saw City stretch their advantage at the top of the league to 3 points after Buckie Thistle and Banks O’ Dee shared the spoils at Victoria Park.

There were 3 changes to the side with Kevin McHattie, Kieran Inglis and Jordan Northcott all coming in at the expense of Nathan Cooney, Anthony McDonald and Ewan Loudon.

The home side, who came into the game off the back of an 11-0 victory on Wednesday, started brightly and threatened early on when Gregor MacDonald struck the post and Wilson saved the follow up from Williamson.

On 13 minutes, Ali Sutherland tried his luck from range but it wasn’t enough to trouble Wilson in the City goal.

Shortly before the half hour mark, City grabbed the all-important opener. FRASER MACLEOD advanced forward with the ball from the midfield and let fly with a vicious strike from 20 yards which flew beyond Nicol.

The Cattachs looked to get back into it with Gregor MacDonald having a shot pushed over the bar, before top scorer Jordan Macrae glanced a header straight at City’s number one.

Wilson was again called into action 4 minutes before the break as he got down well to save a low strike from Ali Sutherland.

Into the second half, chances were few and far between and there was little to note until the 65th minute when Ewan Loudon replaced Fraser MacLeod.

Despite the narrow scoreline, City were looking comfortable at the back and they gave themselves some breathing space after 70 minutes. MARC SCOTT let fly with a delightful strike from 25 yards high into the net, sending the healthy away following into raptures.

Frustration started to show for the hosts and Ally MacDonald was lucky to get away with a yellow after he scythed down Northcott.

The hosts continued to look for a way back into the game but found it increasingly difficult to create any clear cut opportunities against a well-organised City rearguard.

Three minutes from end, Ewan Loudon broke clear down the left hand side of the box and closed in on goal but he was denied by Nicol at his near post.

Deep into stoppage time, City put the icing on the cake with a third goal. With Brora pouring forward in numbers, Jordan Northcott broke clear on the counter attack before squaring the ball across for GRADY MCGRATH who had the easy task of slotting into the empty net.

Overall, an excellent result on the road for City against a side that will be expected to be up at the business end of the table at the end of the season.

Other Results - Breedon Highland League

Buckie Thistle 2 Banks O' Dee 2

Deveronvale 0 Rothes 1

Formartine United 2 Forres Mechanics 0

Fraserburgh 5 Clachnacuddin 0

Huntly 3 Nairn County 1

Keith 6 Strathspey Thistle 1

Turriff United 1 Lossiemouth 2

Wick Academy 1 Inverurie Locos 2