Match Report - By Steven Mew

Despite picking up a fifth consecutive clean sheet, City were left frustrated at the other end of the park during a stalemate against Brora Rangers yesterday evening.

With the visitors failing to test Lenny Wilson throughout the 90 minutes, City were left to rue missing the few good opportunities that came their way.

Manager Andy Kirk made two changes from the side that defeated Turriff United 4-0 at the weekend with Euan Spark and Jordan Northcott coming in for Kevin McHattie and Botti Biabi.

It was an uneventful first half with neither side having any choices of note until the 35th minute when Inglis forced a save from Logan Ross at his near post following a short corner.

Two minutes later City would come even closer through Anthony McDonald. The midfielder did well to come inside from the right hand side of the box and his left-footed strike was parried away by the Brora keeper.

The visitors battled away but weren’t having much luck against a solid City back line, with Hamish Thomson impressing in particular. Three minutes before the break, Gregor MacDonald had a go from range but the ball flew harmlessly wide of goal.

Andy Kirk opted to make a change at the break, with Michael McArthur coming on for Anthony McDonald in midfield.

McArthur could have made an instant impact four minutes into the second half – a corner from Inglis found McArthur in the centre of the penalty area but he could only head over.

Botti Biabi was next to be introduced to the action for City when he replaced Jordan Northcott after 56 minutes.

Just before the hour mark, MacLeod showed a great burst of energy down the right hand side and his cross found the outstretched leg of McGrath in the box but he was unable to keep the effort down.

There was a scare for City at the other end just a few minutes later, as the defence had to be alert to block several goalbound shots from the visitors.

The home side continued to push forward, forcing a number of corners but unfortunately they were unable to take advantage of the set piece opportunities.

Midway through the half, MacLeod looped a volley over the bar following a long throw and Inglis was next to threaten for City when his shot flashed wide after Scott had knocked down from Biabi’s right sided cross.

City’s best and final chance arrived 12 minutes from time. Botti Biabi did well to play a reverse pass into Fraser MacLeod but Ross made an excellent block to deny him from point blank range.

With 83 minutes on the clock, City’s task of grabbing a winner became all the more difficult when skipper Jamie Bain was shown a very soft second yellow card for a push on Brora substitute Tony Dingwall.

Despite the man disadvantage, Andy Kirk’s side huffed and puffed in the closing stages but they were unable to force home what would have been a valuable winner.

Despite dropping points, the league title still remains in City’s hands. With a free weekend on the horizon, next up is the visit of Fraserburgh to Glebe Park next Wednesday evening.

Other Results - Breedon Highland League

Clachnacuddin 1 Fraserburgh 1

Keith 2 Wick Academy 0