Match Report - By Steven Mew

Local rivals Arbroath were the visitors to Glebe Park last night for the 1st round of the Challenge Cup.

City gaffer Michael O’Neill stated before the match that he would be giving some key players a rest after playing 3 games in the space of a week which has taken its toll on the guys who have to do a days work on top of that. O’Neill also warned of Arbroath’s strength before the game and he proved to be correct as Arbroath progressed to the next round after a hard fought victory against a very poor Brechin side yesterday evening.

City may be in a higher league but form goes completely out the window in a local derby. Brechin were still without the injured Gary Bollan, Scott Devlin, Steven Ferguson, Steven Hampshire and Charlie King which left O’Neill with virtually 16 players fit to play and he decided to rest 1st team goalkeeper Craig Nelson, David White, Darren Smith, Grant Johnson and Paddy Connolly who had all started City’s previous three matches. John Hillcoat, Richard Walker, Ryan Pow and Iain Russell all made their 1st competitive starts of the season for the home side.

Arbroath fielded a couple of familiar faces in Roddy Black, who spent 10 memorable years at Brechin and Marc McCulloch, who has been exceptional for Arbroath in the last couple of seasons but struggled to hold down a regular place in his spell at Glebe Park. Former City winger Jay Stein was also listed in the visitor’s squad but had to settle for a place on the bench.

The first half was fairly uneventful with both sides huffing and puffing in midfield but failing to create any clear cut chances. Arbroath had a couple of ambitious long range efforts but they troubled the gravestones in the nearby cemetery more than Hillcoat between the sticks.

City still hadn’t got out of first gear when they opened the scoring ten minutes before the break when referee Scott MacDonald pointed to the spot after Robbie Raeside was adjudged to have pushed Iain Russell in the box. No City players or supporters claimed for a penalty but the referee obviously thought there was something wrong. Stuart Callaghan, who scored a penalty against Morton last Tuesday, confidently stepped up and converted the spot kick, sending Mark Peat the wrong way.

This was a little harsh on Arbroath as neither side had done enough to deserve a goal at this point, but barely 60 seconds later Arbroath were back level. Keeper John Hillcoat and Scott Walker looked to be ushering the ball out for a goal kick but Brian Scott somehow hooked his foot round the ball which went along the face of goal before Steven Cook eventually bundled the ball home to bring the Lichties level. Steven Cook was then booked by the referee for his ‘over the top’ celebrations.

In the second half, Bryan Scott continued to cause problems for the City defence and the Lichties took the lead just six minutes into the second half, with Scott once again the architect. The speedy striker beat his man on the right hand side before supplying a low cross for Steven Rennie who bundled the ball over the line.

City, who were still creating very little openings, were given a lifeline just after the hour mark when Arbroath were reduced to 10 men. Bryan Scott was booked in the 59th minute for a late challenge and barely 4 minutes later he was given a second yellow after he dived in the box.

City fans fully expected Brechin to take advantage of having the extra man but it was Arbroath who continued to create the chances, despite City having the majority of the possession. Brechin nearly found themselves two down when Barry Sellar’s close range header was saved superbly by Hillcoat in the Brechin goal, and a rebound was headed off of the line by a City defender to keep the home side in the match.

City failed to create any chances in the last 15 minutes, let alone score. Many balls played up for Geddes, Russell and Connolly were easily dealt with by the Arbroath defence, who were solid and well organised for the vast majority of the game.

Brechin may have had a fringe team out but the performance was still very disappointing. City now have a huge challenge ahead as they play Cowdenbeath on Saturday at Central Park. The Blue Brazil have won all of their competitive matches so far this season, scoring 18 goals in the process which is quite remarkable. Mixu Paaterlainen has the team playing to their strengths and City will have to work hard if they are to come back with a point, let alone three on Saturday evening.

Other Results - Bell's Cup Round 1

Ayr United 2 Livingston 1

Ayr shock 1st division side Livingston at Somerset Park.

Cowdenbeath 4 Stirling Albion 0

Cowdenbeath continue their outstanding recent form after thrashing Stirling.

Dumbarton 1 Morton 2

Morton win after extra time at The Rock.

East Stirlingshire 0 Queen's Park 5

The Shire soundly beaten by Queens Park.

Forfar Athletic 2 Dundee 1

Forfar shock Dundee with a win at Station Park.

Hamilton Academical 3 Berwick Rangers 1

Comfortable win for Hamilton against their 3rd division opponents.

Partick Thistle 1 Albion Rovers 2

Possibly the shock of the round as the Wee Rovers humble Partick at Firhill.

Queen of the South 1 Stranraer 0

Queens win the South West derby.

St Johnstone 3 Raith Rovers 1

St Johnstone eventually overcome Raith in extra time.