Match Report - By Keith Johnston

Brechin versus Arbroath is always a fixture that is looked forward to by both sets of supporters. Extra spice was added today with the Red Lichties recently appointing ex City favourite Harry Cairney as their manager. Harry was not in charge today as his appointment was only yesterday, so he watched from the stand as Jake Ferrier took charge. Brechin knew that the appointment would lift Arbroath's players and blustery conditions at Glebe Park could have served as a leveller.

Brechin made a bright start to the game with Paul Ritchie cutting inside and curling a shot just wide within the first minute.
Arbroath replied five minutes later with a long range shot by Kevin McMullen that went narrowly over the bar after Scott Walker had failed to clear decisively.
Still inside the first ten minutes, Paul Ritchie had another chance. The seemingly back in favour Kevin Byers crossed for Ritchie to chest down and shoot on the turn, but he failed to hit the target.
Brechin were by far the better team in the first 15 minutes, but they were made to pay for not scoring in the 16th minute when the visitors scored. There was confusion in the Brechin defence allowing Paul Farquharson in. He kept his cool and slotted the ball past Craig Nelson.
For the next 20 minutes or so, the Arbroath supporters celebrated behind the goal.
Ritchie and King tried to bring Brechin back onto level terms in the 24th minute, but City's number 9 could only hit a weak shot that was straight at Tim Woodcock.
With half time approaching, Brechin showed some promising signs of getting back into the game, particularly down the left with Steve Hampshire and Kevin McLeish working together well. One such occasion produced a shooting opportunity for Kevin Byers, but he was wayward with his effort.
Two minutes before half time, Brechin got a deserved equaliser. Euan Donaldson dithered in the left back position, allowing Paul Ritchie to dispossess him. He crossed for Graham Gibson who rose above the defenders to head into the bottom corner. An excellent goal for Gibby who is currently showing the best form of his Brechin career.

Brechin came out for the second half looking as though they meant business. Two minutes after the break there was a massive scramble in their penalty area from a Charlie King corner with several Brechin players attempting to force the ball over the line, but to no avail. However, the ball eventually went behind for a corner with was again taken by King. This time the goalkeeper dropped the ball under pressure, allowing Graham Gibson to fire home his second of the afternoon.
Brechin tried to rub salt in the Arbroath wounds a couple of minutes later with an effort from King, but he was narrowly off target.
City were given a warning by the visitors that it was not going to be all one way traffic in the 52nd minute. Swankie crossed for Farquharson who flicked the ball in the direction of Stewart McDonald. He looked certain to score but Craig Nelson nipped in quickly to grab the ball off his boot.
Normal service resumed though and Dick Campbell's men continued to pile on the pressure. Kevin Byers had a good low shot that was touched wide by Woodcock and the custodian was in the thick of the action again in the 66th minute. This time Craig Winter had a shot blocked that eventually fell for Paul Ritchie who steadied himself before shooting low but the keeper did well to get down and save it.
Five minutes later though Brechin secured the win. Steve Hampshire found Paul Ritchie whose shot was well blocked by the defender, but the loose ball fell to Charlie King and he composed himself before side-footing the ball into the net.
Paul Ritchie was having one of those days where he didn't seem to be getting much luck in front of goal. That again proved to be the case in the 76th minute when Woodcock recovered from an initial blunder to deny him.
Brechin made a series of substitutions as the game reached its later stages. One of these paid off in the last minute on the 90 when Chris Templeman was played clean through. He took his time before picking his spot past Woodcock to make it 4-1.

Overall, Brechin were worthy winners and it looks as though Mr Cairney has a tough job on his hands with apparently limited resources. City have, so far this season, done well against the teams below them in the league but need to start picking up points against the better sides. Next week they have a chance to do just that when they travel to Cappielow to face Morton.

Other Results - Bell's League Division 2

Ayr United 3 Forfar Athletic 3

Forfar held in a high-scoring game at Somerset Park.

Berwick Rangers 2 Alloa Athletic 3

Alloa beat Berwick as two of the Division's weaker sides met.

Dumbarton 1 Stranraer 3

A fine result for Stranraer away to the Sons.

Stirling Albion 1 Morton 1

Morton and Stirling have to settle for a point each in the Division's match of the day (except Brechin-Arbroath!).