Brechin City Football Club

Glebe Park, Brechin, Angus DD9 6BJ

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

News - 15 April 2006

Hamilton v Brechin Preview - By Steven Mew

Kevin Byers In Action
Kevin Byers in action against Accies in December

City will be playing on plastic today as they take on Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park this afternoon in what is another meaningless game as the season draws to a close with nothing to play for.

Confidence is high in the City dressing room after their 1-0 win over struggling Dundee at Dens Park on Tuesday night, and manager Michael O'Neill will be hoping for a repeat of that performance.

Despite picking up only their second win of the season, Michael O'Neill has promised changes and he won't be lining up the same team that beat Dundee.

O'Neill only has 3 more games before the end of the season and he hopes to assess all of the players up against strong 1st division opposition before then which will help him decide whether he wishes to keep them on for next season or not.

City have not fared too well against Hamilton this season, with the Lanarkshire side winning all three meeting between the two sides this season.

Hamilton were the visitors at Glebe Park on the first day of the season and with the score at 1-1 going in stoppage time, Lee Hardy scored a late winner for Accies which was a cruel blow for City who deserved at least a point from the match.

City however did not deserve anything from their following two matches against Accies. Hamilton won 3-0 comfortably at New Douglas Park in October while an early Alex Neil goal was enough to give them a 1-0 win at Glebe Park in December.

The only definate absentee for City is Gary Bollan who has missed training after an ankle knock. Gerry Britton, who still has to prove himself under the new manager, will undergo a late fitness test to determine whether he can play or not.

Hamilton manager Billy Reid has been hit by an injury crisis ahead of the game as Accies strive to finish 3rd in the table. Stuart Balmer, Scott MacKenzie, John Robertson, Marvin Wilson, Mark McLaughlin and Graeme Jones are all set to miss out.

Both home and away Under-16 fans will receive free entry to Saturday's fixture with Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park.

Hamilton Chairman Ronnie Macdonald said: "It's the holiday weekend and we want to attract youngsters to our Club. Hopefully they will come along and enjoy the afternoon's football."

City fans will be allocated the Sainsbury End of the West Stand. Prices are £14.00 for adults and £6 for juveniles and OAP's, although bare in mind it's free of charge for U16's. The match programme, entitled "Academia" will be provided free of charge at the turnstyles.

The Brechin City Supporter's Club are running a bus to the game which leaves St Ninians Square at 11:00am. If you wish to book a seat then contact Jim Craig on (01356) 623151.