With almost a month since our last league fixture, City are back in Highland League action as we play host to Deveronvale tomorrow afternoon.

Although City are in fine form in the league having won 6 consecutive matches, the players will be looking to bounce back from a penalty shootout defeat against Darvel in midweek.

The Vale travel to Glebe Park having played out a 9 goal thriller against Nairn County last weekend, losing by the odd goal in the final minute.

TEAM NEWS
After missing out through a slight strain in midweek, Manager Andy Kirk is hopeful that the influential Kevin McHattie will be available for selection. Jack Wills and Cammie Ross, who were both ineligible for the cup tie will return to the squad.

With Luc Bollan also back from lengthy layoff, the City boss should have the luxury of a full-strength squad to choose from.

MANAGERS COMMENTS
Reflecting on the Scottish Cup tie against Darvel on Tuesday, Manager Andy Kirk said, "It's a sad way to exit the competition on penalties but I can't fault the players over the two matches, especially down there. We went toe-to-toe with them and it was a decent game with both teams going for it. Credit to our boys for the attitude and application and perhaps if there was still extra time it would have suited us as we still looked quite strong at that stage.

"Darvel have a lot of experience and they are all of a good age. A lot of them have played league football for years and it gave us a real gauge of where we are and we are on the right track. We're doing things the right way and there was very little between the two teams - it came down to one kick really.

"It was a new experience for the team and there are a lot of positives we can take from it for the league campaign. We have to pick ourselves up and ensure we are raring to go for Saturday."

On the goals, Andy added, "It was a great finish from Kieran (Inglis). He is technically very good with both feet and to have that calmness to steer it into the far corner was quality. We are blessed with a number of technically gifted players and you can see it starting to come together."

"I've never really seen Murray hitting them from distance! We were right in line with it and as soon as it left his boot it was going in. I was pleased for Murray as I thought he was excellent on the night."

Speaking on a poor challenge on Marc Scott in the second half, he said, "I felt it should have been a straight red card. The rules were explained to us at the start of the season and if you go in with a reckless challenge then it's a red card offence. Fortunately Marc was quick enough to get his leg out of the way otherwise it could have been worse. It's a hard job for the referees to get everything right but the rules are there to follow and for me it should have been a red."

Moving on to tomorrow's match against Deveronvale, Andy commented, "That's the one thing that has felt a bit disjointed recently due to postponements and the cup so it will be good to get back to league action again.

"It was a difficult second half for us up there earlier in the season. First half we did well although a little slow at times but when you look back it was at the very start of the season and the squad was just starting to form - we hadn't played many games together at that point. If you take your foot off the pedal in this league there are sides like Deveronvale who can hurt you. We're in a different place now and the players have gelled together a bit more."

ADMISSION INFORMATION
Standard league prices apply for this fixture which is £10 for adults and £7 for concessions.

CITY CLUB BAR
The City Club bar, situated within the David H Will Stand will be open as normal to both home and away supporters from 1:30pm and again following the match until 8pm.

In line with government advice, can all those who plan to attend adhere to the measures implemented on the day with full advice and guidance provided by club staff. The welfare and health of our supporters is our priority so, by working together, we will do our utmost to make sure we all stay safe.

MATCH OFFICIALS
The match referee is Liam Duncan, assisted by John Black and Lewis Burns.

LIVE MATCH STREAM
Hedge TV will be providing a live stream of tomorrow's match at Glebe Park. Pay-per-view access is available for £10 - to purchase visit HEDGE TV LIVE

For those who haven't viewed live streaming via Hedge TV before, we would encourage users to read the INFORMATION PAGE and watch our free-to-air Hedge TV test stream as soon as possible. This is to ensure that your chosen device or browser performance is satisfactory before you try to watch your first live event.

PREVIOUS MEETING
Deveronvale 1-4 Brechin City - 7th August 2021
City maintained their 100% record in the Highland League with a comfortable victory over Deveronvale in the Banff sunshine in August.

Despite going in at the break with a three goal advantage thanks to a brace from Garry Wood and a further goal from Gregor Jordan, it wasn’t all plain sailing for City. Andy Kirk's men endured a few nervy moments after the hosts had pulled a goal back from the penalty spot midway through the second half but wrapped up the win late on through Evan Galasso.

SPONSORSHIP
Tomorrow's match sponsor is Grant Johnson whilst the matchball has been sponsored by Stewart Brown. Our grateful thanks both for your support!