"The Battle of the Brothers" ended with Ian well on top, after Brechin scored four goals without reply against their full-time opponents.

Thistle manager, Dick Campbell, lost the services of a number of players, which meant the introduction of former Brechin favourite, Scott McCulloch as a "Trialist".

Thistle also included two more "Newmen", in what was otherwise a fairly strong line-up.

There were two periods in the game, at the start of either half, when Thistle were on top. However, City defended well and when the Jags did manage to breach the reds defence, they found Craig Nelson once again in top form.

Having been under a bit of pressure, City took the lead in stunning fashion with what was effictively their first attack of the game Stuart Callaghan picked the ball up 25 yards out and volleyed in what must be an early candidate for Goal of the Season.

Callaghan then turned provider, when his pin-point cross saw Graham Gibson outjump his marker to head home goal number two.

Gibson almost made it 3-0, but Thistle goalkeeper, Neil Bennett, did enough to put him off, after the striker broke through the heart of the visitor's defence.

Thistle again enjoyed the better start to the second half, but the City back four, in which Walker, Deas and Hamilton made sterling contributions, once again stood firm.

The third goal was once again created by the left foot of Stuart Callaghan. His free-kick from the left touchline was met by Scott Walker who bulleted home a tremendous diving header.

Goal number four was ccrafted by a lovely-weighted pass from Steven Hampshire. He timed his through ball to perfection on the halfway line allowing substitute Kevin Byers the opportunity to run half the length of the field before finishing superbly.

After the game, City manager Ian Campbell said: "We scored some excellent goals this afternoon. We also played some great football in spells. But nobody should get carried away with this result.

"While taking nothing away from a highly professional performance, we must ensure we play to that standard week in and week out."