City got their pre-season preparations underway yesterday afternoon as they went down narrowly to a strong Arbroath side at Glebe Park.

With no fewer than 6 players unavailable, Andy Kirk beefed up his squad as he ran the rule over a number of trialists, two of which started the match. City fans also had the opportunity to see new signings Lenny Wilson and Grady McGrath in action for the first time.

The game got off to a fairly slow start with the first real chance coming after the quarter hour mark. Cammie Ross played a pass into the path of Marc Scott who showed some quick footwork to advance past Jason Thomson but his left footed shot just went wide of the far post.

Despite City missing the likes of Jamie Bain, Euan Spark, Hamish Thomson and Nathan Cooney at the back, the defence did superbly well to stifle most attacks from the visitors. The Lichties had to wait until the 26th minute for their first real opportunity when Ricky Little glanced wide from a corner.

Experienced winger Bobby Linn would come closer for Arbroath five minutes later when his free kick struck the top of the crossbar. Shortly after, Linn played a trialist in on goal but his effort at the near post was kept out by Lenny Wilson.

City opened the scoring in the 37th minute following a fine passing move. Cammie Ross floated a ball out to Marc Scott on the right hand side and he managed to get the better of 2 Arbroath defenders before cutting the ball back for a trialist. Although his effort his blocked, the ball fell kindly into the path of GRADY MCGRATH who slotted home from a few yards out.

On the stroke of half time, Lenny Wilson did superbly well to deny a trialist from close range and almost immediately on the break, McGrath flashed a shot just inches wide of the post.

The visitors had the luxury of making 5 substitutes at the break as James Craigen, Keaghan Jacobs, Dylan Paterson, Luke Donnelly and Kieran Shanks all entered the fray.

Despite the visitors having plenty of fresh legs on the park, they were limited to few clear cut chances. James Craigen forced Wilson into a good save at his near post 8 minutes into the second half.

Ewan Loudon came on for a trialist on the hour mark before Jason Thomson headed wide from a Paterson cross in the 67th minute.

The visitors brought themselves back level in the 70th minute through summer signing KIERAN SHANKS. The former Inverurie Locos frontman controlled a knockdown inside the box and evaded the challenge of Davidson before curling into the corner.

A few minutes later Luke Donnelly and James Craigen both came close after City had lost possession inside their own half.

Shortly after at the other end, the impressive Seth Patrick almost got himself on the scoresheet when his swerving effort from the edge of the box went narrowly wide.

Arbroath grabbed what proved to be winning goal seven minutes from time. A misplaced pass from Inglis found DAVID GOLD who advanced with the ball and found the net via the inside of the post from 20 yards.

Both Seth Patrick and Cammie Ross tried their luck from range as City chased an equaliser but both ended up over the bar with their efforts.

Overall, Manager Andy Kirk will be satisfied with his sides' showing against a side that narrowly lost out on promotion to the Premiership last season. Next up for City is a trip to face Jeanfield Swifts in another friendly next Saturday.

Brechin City FC: Lenny Wilson, Marc Scott, Kevin McHattie, Iain Davidson, Trialist (Ewan Loudon 60), Kieran Inglis (Trialist 88), Trialist (Trialist 80), Seth Patrick, Grady McGrath, Cammie Ross, Jordan Northcott. Substitutes not used: Trialist (GK)

Arbroath FC: Derek Gaston, Jason Thomson, Scott Stewart (James Craigen 45), Ricky Little, Thomas O'Brien, Nicky Low (Keaghan Jacobs 45), David Gold, Trialist (Dylan Paterson 45), Dale Hilson (Luke Donnelly 45), Trialist (Kieran Shanks 45), Bobby Linn. Substitutes not used: Cammy Gill (GK)

Attendance: 671