After clinching the Highland League Championship is dramatic fashion 97 days ago, City's title defence starts tomorrow with the visit of Formartine United.

Andy Kirk's side have been handed a tough start to their Highland League campaign, as they go head to head against the only side to inflict a league defeat on City last season.

With the league Championship flag being unfurled prior to the game, City will be hoping to mark the occasion with an opening day victory against the Aberdeenshire outfit who are also tipped to challenge for the title.

TEAM NEWS
City will continue to be without Anthony McDonald whilst Lewis Martin will also miss out after landing awkwardly during the Clyde game in midweek. However Kevin McHattie, who missed the last couple of matches, trained yesterday evening and should be available for selection.

MANAGERS COMMENTS
Looking back at the Viaplay Cup group stage, Manager Andy Kirk commented, "When you sit back and reflect we've played 3 full time teams in the space of a week which is a tough ask for our boys this early in the season. Although we lost those 3 games and conceded some poor goals which were avoidable, we fought our corner and we were unlucky not to take something from the Hamilton and Cove games.

We were delighted to get the win against Clyde on Tuesday and from about midway through the the first half where we started to get a grip of the game and from then on I thought we were the better side and on another day we could have scored another couple of goals. I'm pleased overall and I'm looking forward to the league starting tomorrow."

Following a positive pre-season in which he netted 5 goals, Ewan Loudon has followed that up with two goals in the last two matches. Andy added, "Ewan is developing really well. When he first came in he was just a young boy but this is his third season with us now. He's got a fantastic attitude and he's come back very fit. He has matured and of course has the experience of the last two seasons, including netting that crucial goal against Buckie on the final day."

Looking ahead to tomorrow's league opener, he said, "Formartine are a side that have been improving so we're expecting a really tough game. They'll be wanting to get off to a good start, as every team does. We'll need to be at our best but I hope that these last few games against higher league opposition will push us on and our levels will be a little bit higher.

ADMISSION INFORMATION
Tomorrow's match kicks off at 3pm. Admission prices are £10 for adults and £7 for concessions (Over 65's, Under 18's and students). Season tickets are valid. Digital tickets should be purchased at the following link - PURCHASE TICKETS

Still to purchase a season ticket? You can purchase HERE

CITY CLUB BAR
The City Club bar, situated within the David H Will Stand is open to both sets of supporters from 1:30pm and again following the match.

MATCH OFFICIALS
Tomorrow's match referee is Greg Soutar, assisted by Craig Ritchie and John Hugh Edens.

PREVIOUS MEETING
Formartine United 2-0 Brechin City - 22nd February 2023
Formartine ended City's long unbeaten run last season as they ran out 2-0 winners at North Lodge Park in midweek fixture. City simply weren't at the races in Aberdeenshire as goals from Paul Campbell and former City man Julian Wade handed the home side all 3 points, inflicting what was City's only league defeat of the season.

SPONSORSHIP & MASCOT
Tomorrow's match sponsor is Graham Pest Control whilst the matchball has been sponsored by Barry Stormont and Peter Kinghorn in memory of Mike Stormont. Our mascots will be Jack Shand and Fraya McCombie.