Brechin City - Dunfermline Athletic Match Preview

Brechin City kick off their league campaign tomorrow afternoon with the visit of Dunfermline Athletic to Glebe Park.

City will be determined to put their Petrofac Cup and League Cup first round exits firmly behind them as they set about their task of overcoming Allan Johnston's new-look Dunfermline side who the bookmakers have installed as favourites to land the League One title. There have been massive changes in both squads over the close-season but City will take heart from their performances against the Pars in the last campaign when they were unbeaten against them, winning two and drawing two of the four fixtures and despite the fact that both sides have a 'new look' about them, City will be aiming to continue where they left off against the Pars last season with a home victory.

As far as squad news for tomorrow's match is concerned, the team will have to do without the services of player/boss Darren Dods who is suspended while striker Dene Shields will remain side-lined for four weeks after picking up an injury against Perterhead. In addition, defender Jonathan Tiffoney remains doubtful with the manager rating his chances as no more than 50-50.

City played a bounce game against Falkirk's under 20 side at Stirling Univeristy in midweek which gave players such as Craig Molloy and new signing David Weatherston much needed match practice and clearly both of those players will come into contention for a starting place against the Pars.

While City were going down at Ayr last Saturday, Dunfermline were in rampant form, demolishing Fife neighbours Cowdenbeath by 5-1 at East End Park with Faissal El Bakhtaoui and Shawn Byrne each netting a double with the other goal coming from the penalty-spot, courtesy of a Ryan Wallace conversion, and on the previous Saturday, the Pars booked their place in the next round of the Petrofac Training Cup after comfortably seeing off Arbroath at Gayfield with El Bakhtaoui again scoring a double with the other goals coming from Wallace and former Ayr striker Michael Moffat in a 4-1 win.

Fifers boss Allan Johnston has no injury or suspension worries and will bring a fully-fit squad to Glebe Park.

The referee for tomorrow's match is experienced whistler John McKendrick who refereed two City games last season, one of which was the 3-0 victory over tomorrow's opponents at Glebe Park in April.

Admission Prices are as follows : -

Parent & Child - £15 (Plus £2 admission for each additional school-age child in party)
Adult - £12
Concessions - £6 (Over 65's and Under 18's)

Brechin City’s Matchday Magazine “A View from the Hedge” has been published for this game and will be available for purchase for only £2.00. Amongst the updates, quizzes and features, City fans will be particularly interested to read an in-depth exclusive interview with new Player/Manager Darren Dods.

The Match has been kindly sponsored by Aberdeen-based Falck Safety Services, and The Match Ball has been sponsored by Gridified Ltd, the company owned by Keith Johnston who looks after The Club’s website.

The Mascot for the Day is probably one of The Club’s youngest – Arthur Ernest Whittington, who is still a month away from being two years old.

The Official Bucket Collection activity is a fundraiser for The Brechin Cinema Project – and look out for “The Minions” distributing free sweets before the game.

A limited number of Day-Guest Passes for The 1983 Hospitality Lounge will be available on match-day, for only an £8 uplift from the gate entry price. This is offer is available to visiting supporters as well as to Glebe Park regulars.

Other Matches Scottish League One

Airdrieonians v Forfar Athletic
Albion Rovers v Ayr United
Cowdenbeath v Stranraer
Peterhead v Stenhousemuir