BRECHIN CITY – STRANRAER PREVIEW


Brechin City will play their first competitive match since 12th January when they drew 2-2 with East Fife at Bayview when they face Stranraer at Glebe Park tomorrow.

News from the Glebe is that the pitch remains very soft in some places and that the covers will be going down this evening as a precautionary measure. Groundsman Neil Wood has said that any help in putting the covers down will be gratefully received and that volunteers should come to the park at around 6.15pm.

City boss Ray McKinnon has a full squad from which to choose his team apart from midfielder Craig Molloy who unfortunately remains side-lined.

This is the third meeting between the sides this season and City have still to lose a goal against the Blues.

The first meeting took place at Glebe Park on 20th October in Ray McKinnon’s managerial debut. City were hugely impressive that day and a first-half double from Andy Jackson and a goal early in the second-half from David McKenna secured the points. The teams met again at Stair Park on 29th December and City again came out on top thanks to goals from Alan Trouten (pen) and Derek Carcary.

Blues boss Stephen Aitken will be looking for his side to continue the form they showed against East Fife last Saturday when goals from ex City striker Darren Gribben and Sean Winter helped them to a 3-1 win although he will be without defender David McGregor for the visit to Glebe Park. However, City who sit in third place in the table, ten points ahead of tomorrow’s opponents having played three games less will be looking to consolidate that third-place position and increase the pressure on Alloa who sit directly above them.

The referee for tomorrow’s match is Andrew Dallas who was promoted to Grade 1 at the beginning of the season. Andrew has refereed City twice already this season, the 3-3 draw against Bonnyrigg in the Scottish Cup and the return game the following Saturday at New Dundas Park when City romped home in a 6-0 win.

Tomorrow’s Match Sponsor is Brechin Bowling Club who are also sponsoring the match ball.