For the first time this season, City will make the familiar journey up the A96 as we take on Huntly at Christie Park tomorrow afternoon.

City will come up against a Huntly side that caused Andy Kirk's men no shortage of problems last season. The Black & Golds picked up a point at Glebe Park whilst it took a last minute winner from Anthony McDonald for City to take all three points from the reverse fixture at Christie Park.

Both sides started their Highland League campaigns with victories last week. City edged out 9-man Formartine Utd at the Carnegie Fuels Stadium at Glebe Park whilst Huntly produced an impressive 4-1 victory away to Rothes.

TEAM NEWS
City will continue to be without Lewis Martin and Anthony McDonald, whilst Marc Scott will be assessed ahead of the game.

MANAGERS COMMENTS
Looking back at the penalty shootout win over Hearts B in midweek, Manager Andy Kirk commented, "You have to give Hearts credit - for such a young team to come out and respond like that however we created the situation ourselves. After the first 10-15 minutes we took a hold of the game and if we were a bit more ruthless we could have been further ahead. At the start of the second half we got into some really good areas but we didn't pick the pass or should have been more clinical.

"We then started getting sloppy and made some really poor decisions. Hearts then got a bit of momentum - as soon as you give a team a bit of encouragement then they're going to have a go. I was very disappointed with the second half and there is a lot to learn from it.

"We've got to remember that we've had a tough run - leading up to the game on Tuesday we've played higher league sides in the cup before a tough opening game against Formartine and then a talented young Hearts team so we've had 6 hard games in just over two weeks. Huge credit to our boys for the energy and effort that they've put in so maybe the second half was a little bit down to fatigue. I've no doubt that they'll be ready to go on Saturday."

Both Fraser MacLeod and Grady McGrath found the net with almost identical flicks with Andy adding, "Sometimes the flicks come off and sometimes they don't. The types of players that they are, they've both got that in their locker and the confidence to be able to try it. When it comes off it looks great but we should have been more clinical."

17 year-old keeper Jamie McCabe had a finish game between the sticks for City with Andy commenting, "Jamie was fantastic on Tuesday and he made a couple of great saves in the second half along with the double penalty save. Jamie is fantastic talent and has great potential and I'm very pleased from what I've seen. He'll give Lenny great competition and that's a good thing for both of them as they push each other to get into the team."

Looking ahead to tomorrow's match, he said, "Huntly are one of the sides that have improved. They had a fantastic start to the season by beating Rothes 4-1 so I'm sure they will be confident coming into the game. Going away from away from home is never easy so we're expecting a tough game and it's one of those matches where if we get opportunities we need to be ruthless. First and foremost we have to stand up and compete against a side that has definitely improved."

ADMISSION INFORMATION
Admission prices at Christie Park are £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and free for Under 12's. There is an extra £2 charge for the stand which is limited.

SUPPORTERS' TRAVEL
Brechin City Supporters' Club are running a coach to the game which is now fully booked! The bus will leave St Ninians Square at 11:30am. Many thanks to all who have booked on and we look forward to seeing you in Juntly.

MATCH OFFICIALS
Tomorrow's match referee is Joel Kennedy, assisted by John Milne and Jeremie Fernandes.

PREVIOUS MEETING
Huntly 0-1 Brechin City - 25 February 2023
City left it late at Christie Park in February as substitute Anthony McDonald smashed home a vitally important 89th minute winner to spark wild celebrations amongst the travelling support.

It was no less than what City deserved, having struck the woodwork twice in the first half whilst home custodian Fraser Hobday made a string of fine saves throughout.