News -
20 April 2023
Match Preview | Buckie Thistle v Brechin City
- By
Steven Mew
City's Highland League campaign boils down to one game tomorrow afternoon, where a win over Buckie Thistle would be enough to clinch the title and in turn earn a place in the Pyramid Playoffs.
City come up against a Jags outfit that remarkably haven't lost a home league match since August 2019, emphasising the difficult task ahead for Andy Kirk's side however they can take great confidence from winning the last meeting between the sides earlier in the season, in addition to an impressive league campaign which has yielded only one defeat.
A large City contingent is expected to travel to Victoria Park to back the team tomorrow as the club look to lift silverware.
MANAGERS COMMENTS
Speaking on the victory over Keith in midweek, Manager Andy Kirk said, "We only needed a point to take it to the last day but we've spoken all year about getting the level right and taking as many points as we can. on Wednesday we wanted to get another clean sheet and 3 points which now gives us the opportunity on Saturday to compete for a league title.
"I thought we were good in the first half - there was good energy about us, played some good stuff and created opportunities."It was a great finish and a really good move. He just guided it into the corner and the goal came at a good time - it helped to settle us down a little bit.
"The pitch was really poor - the only positive side from it is that it wasn't soggy or heavy. It was very bobbly and difficult for both sides to play on.
"Second half was always going to be a different game with the situation that we were in. We were a goal ahead and I changed one or two things but overall I was delighted with the overall result and performance."
Attention now turns to the title decider at Buckie on Saturday, with a large travelling support expected to travel up to Moray. Andy said, "The support is going to be massive for us at the weekend - they have been massive for us all season. The players appreciate it and the numbers have been growing this season which is a huge positive for the club. It's going to a special occasion and a very tough game so the more support we have there backing the players, the better it will be for us.
"There will be players on both sides that haven't played in a game of this magnitude or the crowd is bigger than what they are used to. Once the whistle blows the players will be completely focussed on the job in hand and having the experience of the likes of Sparky, McHattie, Baino and Botti will help the younger players as well.
"The players have had a fantastic season and if someone said at the start of the campaign that we would take it to the last game of the season then you'd have taken that all day long.
"Full credit to Buckie, they've been plugging away with result after result and that's what has put them up at the top of the league at this moment in time. It's a difficult league and Wednesday night proved that there are no easy games, especially away from home. We're excited for the game and hopefully we can come out on top."
ADMISSION INFORMATION
Kick off is 3pm. Admission is pay at the gate, with prices set at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Brechin City supporters should access the ground via the West turnstiles (High School end).
COACH TRAVEL
Brechin City Supporters' Club are running 4 coaches to the game which will leave from Glebe Park at 11am on Saturday. Please note that all coaches are fully booked and supporters are asked to arrive in plenty of time.
For those that were unable to book onto one of the Supporters' Club coaches, the club are providing a further bus which will also depart Glebe Park at the same time. The cost of the bus is £10pp - to book, please e-mail communitymanager@brechincityfc.com or call 01356 623344 where a message can be left if required.
Supporters are reminded that only coaches will be permitted to park at Glebe Park tomorrow.
CAR PARKING
Brechin City supporters should come down the High Street (A942). Cars should turn left onto Highfield Road where they will find car parking available at Ardach Health Centre and at the Burnie Day Centre which is immediately to the south of Victoria Park.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Tomorrow's match referee is Harry Bruce, assisted by Darren Munro & Will McKay.
PREVIOUS MEETING
Brechin City 1-0 Buckie Thistle -
City came out on top in the meeting between the sides earlier in the season, putting an end to the Jags 29-match unbeaten run in the process. Top goalscorer Grady McGrath netted the only goal of the game after just 4 minutes to earn City a hugely important win. The visitors were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time when Joe McCabe saw red for a dangerous lunge on Fraser MacLeod from behind.
END OF SEASON AWARDS
The Club would like to make supporters aware that, on returning from Buckie, irrespective of the outcome, the doors of Glebe Park will be open with both the City Club and Platinum Lounge available. The matchday refreshment hut will also be open for food and it is hoped as many supporters attend as possible.
The end of season player awards will also take place which will allow supporters to enjoy the event and personally thank coaches and players.