Brechin City Football Club

Glebe Park, Brechin, Angus DD9 6BJ

Tel : 01356 623344
Email : secretary@brechincityfc.com
www.brechincity.com

News - 23 January 2020

Cowdenbeath v Brechin City - Match Preview - By Steven Mew

Following an enforced break due to the Scottish Cup, City are back in action tomorrow afternoon as we make the journey to the Kingdom of Fife to take on 3rd placed Cowdenbeath at Central Park.

TEAM NEWS
Full back Christopher McLaughlin has returned to full training following a knee injury although tomorrow will likely come too soon for him. Otherwise, the Manager will have a full squad to choose from.

MANAGERS COMMENTS
Mark Wilson reflected on a disappointing performance but a potentially valuable point against Stenhousemuir a fortnight ago. He said, "I was honest in my assessment after the game. We didn't start well but we grew into it and we got a goal at a good time. We told the players what was expected of them at half time and if we had a go at Stenny in the second half we might have scored another and killed the game. However we sat back and invited pressure which was disappointing. It was almost as if they were waiting on Stenny scoring - that is something I thought we had got rid of.

"When we went behind late on it was a huge blow but I was pleased with the way the boys reacted. We brought on Paul McManus who looked dangerous, worked his socks off and got the goal he deserved. It could prove to be a valuable point but we wanted to go there and win."

To keep the squad ticking, City played out a 1-1 draw in a closed doors friendly against Angus neighbours Forfar Athletic last Thursday. Mark said, "It was a good game against a strong Forfar side and it gave players some valuable minutes under their belt. We tried something different with a front three of McManus, Jackson and Crawford and the boys can take positives from it against a side in the division above and hopefully we can take it into the game tomorrow."

Looking ahead to the fixture tomorrow he said, "It will be difficult as Cowdenbeath are up there for a reason - they can grind out wins, especially at home. I said to the boys we played exceptionally well against them last month by being brave and really getting at them. We created as many chances that game as I can remember and we should have been out of sight by the time they pulled one back. Although the league positions are hugely different, we've certainly got the quality and the belief to go there and put in a good performance."

With just over a week of the January transfer window remaining, the Manager gave an update. "We're constantly trying, as is everybody else at this level. A lot of the clubs are after the same players. Our targets are ongoing but a lot of players at this stage are hedging their bets where they are going to get the best offer. We've got a few plates spinning at the minute - there will be new players in and although I would have liked them in before Saturday, it's looking unlikely at the moment."

MATCH OFFICIALS
The referee tomorrow is Chris Fordyce who will be assisted by Graham McNeillie and Duncan Nicolson.

ADMISSION INFORMATION
Brechin City supporters will be accommodated in the Old Stand - Entry is via the High Street turnstiles. Admission Prices are: Adults £13, Concessions £7 (65 and over and under 16). Travelling supporters should be aware that photographic I.D. may be requested for anyone using the concession gate.

The car park at Central Park will be in operation for supporters at a charge of £2 per car and £5 per coach.

Brechin City supporters are also welcome in Andy Matthew lounge prior to the match, the bar will be open from 1pm.

SUPPORTERS TRAVEL
Brechin City Supporters Club are running a coach to the game which will leave St Ninian's Square at 11:30am. To book your seat, please text Glen on 07715 965711 or leave your name on the Supporters Club facebook page. Bus prices are £15 for adults, £10 for under 18's and £20 for parent & child (pre-booked).

The Supporters Club are still looking for a sponsor for this bus. Sponsorship costs just £50 and includes two seats, signs on the coach and online recognition for you or your business. Please message the Supporters Club facebook page if you are interested.

PREVIOUS MEETING
Brechin City 2-1 Cowdenbeath - 14th December 2019
Olly Hamilton marked his 18th birthday in style as he bagged a first half brace to help City to a second consecutive win in League 2. City looked to put the game to bed in the second half but were unable to add to their advantage, with the visitors pulling a goal back through Robbie Buchanan in the closing stages to ensure a nervy ending. However Mark Wilson's side held on for a thoroughly deserved victory.