The pre-season build up continued at Glebe Park on Thursday evening when City defated Angus neighbours Forfar Athletic.

The game saw both sides field very experimental line-ups with Brechin having no less than five players making their first start for their new team.

John Hillcoat, who is likely to provide stiff competition with Craig Nelson for the goalkeeper's slot was the first. Gary Bollan and Craig McEwan lined-up in the full-back roles. While the vastly experienced David Craig appeared at centre back.

In midfield, Darren Smith, the club's most recent signing from Berwick Rangers completed the appearance of the new recruits.

The game itself was never the greatest advert for pre-season football and as is often the case, both sides often lacked the urgency you would expect to see if there were three league points at stake.

While Forfar probably enjoyed the better start, it was City who took the lead when Craig McEwan's willingness to get forward saw him outstrip Florence and Rattray on the right flank and pick out Graham Gibson for a tap in.

Forfar went close to levelling when Barry Sellars' free-kick was tipped onto the bar by John Hillcoat.

The Loons did draw level when their Trialist striker fired home after finding space inside the City penalty area.

The game could have gone either way after that. Michael Brown made two fine saves from a Gary Bollan free-kick and low dribe. At the other end Hillcoat covered himself in glory when he denied David McClune and made an even more impressive stop from the rebound denying Paul Shields from just a few yards. However, the assistant referee had his flag up for offside.

Steven Hampshire won the game with two minutes left. After his initial shot was blocked, last season's top scorer kept his composure to beat Brown with a well hit effort from 20 yards out.