Match Report - By Steven Mew

After missing a host of guilt-edged opportunities in the second half, City survived a nervy ending to record a crucial victory over Brora Rangers yesterday afternoon.

Andy Kirk’s side had the opportunity to put the game to bed numerous times after going 2-1 up shortly after the hour mark, but City defended resolutely to ensure all 3 points stayed in Brechin.

With the squad short of numbers in recent matches, City had the relative luxury of 8 substitutes for this fixture. With new signings Ryan Ferguson, Liam Duell and Ewan Murray all included, there was also the welcome return of Marc Scott, Spencer Moreland and Lewis Martin back from injury.

The visitors, who came into the game having won their opening two Highland League fixtures, were first to threaten when Strachan curled an effort just wide of the post from the edge of the box.

With 11 minutes on the clock, Scott won a foul 20 yards out and the resulting free kick from McHattie was straight at the wall. The ball was cleared only as far as Scott who fed Duell in the box- his goalbound shot was also blocked before McHattie sliced wide on the his left foot.

Midway through the half, a fine run from Duell down the left hand side saw the City forward fire a great low ball across the face of goal but there were no takers.

Two minutes later at the other end, an inswinging cross from Dingwall almost found Jordan Macrae in front of goal, but he was unable to make the connection and Wilson was out quickly to gather.

Shortly after the half hour mark, City took the lead. A defence-splitting pass from captain Euan Spark sent Moreland into the box and his ball into the danger area found the lurking GRADY MCGRATH who finished from close range.

City’s lead would last only four minutes as the visitors got themselves back on level terms. Moments after Euan Spark was treated for a nasty head knock, a low ball from the right hand side evaded both Wilson and Spark inside the box, falling kindly for JORDAN MACRAE to bundle the ball over the line.

On the stroke of half time, City switched off at a quick free kick and Wilson had to be alert to keep out a 20 yard strike from Andy Macrae. Almost immediately at the other end City unlocked the Brora defence with a great one-touch passing move which ended with McGrath playing Moreland in on goal but he was denied by a fine save from Malin.

With the sides level at the break, Brora came close at the start of the second half when Jordan Macrae latched onto a pass from Ewan but he was denied by Wilson at the near post.

Shortly after the hour mark, Andy Kirk made a double change with Duell and Loudon replaced by Fraser MacLeod and Ewan Murray, with the latter making his debut after signing on loan from Dundee on Friday.

The tactical change made dividends almost immediately as City got their noses back in front. Ryan Ferguson, who had an excellent debut, threaded a perfect through ball for McGrath and although he was denied by the post, MARC SCOTT was on hand to rifle home from close range.

The visitors very nearly restored parity just three minutes later. A poor kickout from Wilson was headed forward to Andy Macrae who let fly with a rasping effort from 25 yards which cannoned off the post.

With the Cattachs a very capable side going forward, City went in search of a third goal to try and put clear daylight between the sides and it took some poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping to prevent that.

On 69 minutes Marc Scott dispossessed a Brora defender on the edge of the box and with just the keeper to beat, he was denied by a fine save from Malin who pushed the ball around the post. To everyone’s astonishment, the linesman flagged for a goal kick.

City’s pressing was causing Brora no end of problems – MacLeod won the ball in midfield and fed Scott who advanced forward but his effort was tame and saved comfortably by Malin. Moments later, Patrick got into a great position on the right hand side of the box but his low ball was cut out by the Brora defence.

Two minutes later the home support would have their head in their hands again as another glorious opportunity went a begging. McGrath took advantage of a slip by Williamson to race clean through on goal and with plenty of time to pick his spot, Malin again denied with a fine save down low.

There was always the concern that City would be left to rue those missed chances, and the Cattachs would go on to put the City defence under pressure in the closing stages. With 8 minutes remaining, a cross from Ewan found Dingwall lurking in the box and his shot on the turn arrowed just inches wide of the post.

City soaked up the pressure and almost grabbed a third goal on the break deep into stoppage time. It was almost a dream debut for Ewan Murray as he latched onto a through ball from McGrath but his strike was parried away by Malin.

That would prove to the be the last action of the game, as referee Mike Roncone called time on a crucial win for City. It was a victory that City could have sewn up long before the end, but all that they will be interested in is the three points against a strong Brora side.

Next up for City is the 2nd round of the SPFL Trust Trophy on Tuesday evening, as we take on Hibernian B at the Carnegie Fuels Stadium at Glebe Park (kick off 7:30pm).

Other Results - Breedon Highland League

Clachnacuddin 2 Deveronvale 2

Fraserburgh 1 Buckie Thistle 3

Lossiemouth 1 Formartine United 2

Rothes 2 Banks O' Dee 2

Turriff United 1 Keith 2