BRECHIN CITY U19’s 4 EAST FIFE U19’s 3

Team Manager Artie Gray reports on his side's victory.


The 19s elected to go with a 3-5-2 formation today against East Fife, which proved to be a worthwhile exercise.

The City Youths starting XI was Ben Tough in goal. In front of him were Scott Webster, Jack Syme and Michael Potter. The midfield five consisted of Matthew Adam, Steven Duffy, Connor Gray, Craig Mitchell and Liam Keiller. Marc Walker and trialist Connor Davidson lead the line for the youths.

Marc Walker sustained an injury within in the first ten minutes and he was replaced by Charlie Fertacz.

After a good opening fifteen minutes from Brechin City they found themselves a goal down against the run of play. However Fertacz was to have an immediate impact when he converted a Liam Keiller shot into the net.

Within minutes of the restart Connor Davidson found himself in space at the edge of the box, with his back to the goal. Connor received a pass from Scott Webster to then flick the ball over his head and smash home a volley into the top corner. Half -Time Brechin City lead 2 - 1.

At the beginning of the second half, East Fife come flying out the traps. piling the pressure on Brechin City's defence. Once Brechin settled into a rythym, they then started to exert some pressure. Charlie Fertacz received the ball on the right wing, jinked past two defenders before slipping the ball across goal to strike partner Connor Davidson who slotted home Brechin's third and his second.

Brechin were on top and creating loads of chances, but then came a dubious penalty decision against City which resulted in East Fife pulling one back. Moments later following a great five- pass move, Davidson found himself on the end of a Matty Adam cross to grab a fourth for Brechin to complete his hat-trick. Connor Gray then made way with niggly injury and was replaced by Grant Knowles. Paul Anderson also replaced Adam.

With time running out, East Fife pulled one back to make it 4 - 3 after some slack defending, but in the end, Brechin ran out 4-3 winners in a highly entertaining and sporting match. All fourteen players who took part in achieving this result put in good performances, with a few outstanding. The central midfield three of Duffy, Gray and Mitchell dictated play for Brechin for long periods. Charlie Fertacz coming back from injury made a big impact when he came on, and Connor Davidson with three goals on his debut showed that he will be an asset to the club.

Team : Tough, Webster, Syme, Potter, Adam (Anderson), Duffy, Gray (Knowles), Mitchell, Keiller, Davidson, Walker (Fertacz)
Sub not used: Jed Fertacz (trialist)