City go head to head with Formartine United for the second time in the space of four weeks tomorrow afternoon, this time in the 1st round of the Highland League Cup at North Lodge Park.

The sides clashed in the opening league fixture of the season at the end of July, with City running out narrow 1-0 winners thanks to Ewan Loudon's penalty, whilst the visitors ended the game with 9 men with Paul Campbell and Jonathan Crawford both seeing red.

Andy Kirks' side go into the fixture off the back of a deserved 2-0 victory over Nairn County last weekend, whilst Formartine conceded late on as they drew 1-1 at home to leaders Buckie Thistle with former City striker Julian Wade on target.

TEAM NEWS
City will continue to be without Anthony McDonald who is unfortunately likely to be missing for a number of months with a back injury. Andy Kirk commented, "Ants has an ongoing issue with his back and if we see him on the pitch before the turn of the year we'll be grateful. That's the timescales we are looking at with him which is unfortunate but it's part of the game - when he comes back it will be like getting a new player."

Captain Euan Spark will be assessed ahead of the game, having missed last weekend with a hamstring injury. Striker Liam Duell will return to the squad having been unavailable last weekend.

MANAGERS COMMENTS
Speaking on last weekends win over Nairn County, Manager Andy Kirk said, "Last Saturday was more like what we are capable of and I think there is still a lot more to come. We had a lot of good patterns, got into good areas and created a lot of chances. I thought the performance was very controlled.

"We've had experience lately against Hearts and Huntly where we were on a tightrope and all it takes is a set play or something that costs you. It would have been nice to get the second goal a bit earlier to settle things down.

"Grady's first goal was great movement at the back post and good ball from Marc to set it up. The second goal was just instinct in terms of the finish - it was top class. To open up that gap and be able to chip the ball into the far corner - not everyone is capable of that. Hopefully he takes plenty of confidence from that and go on a scoring run like he did last season."

Lewis Martin made his return from injury last week with Andy adding, "Last week Lewis was pushing that he wanted to play but with a broken bone we just wanted to give it an extra week to heal. With Sparky being out, having Lewis back was great. I thought he did well and gives us that wee bit experience. He's good on the ball and gives us plenty of height in the team as well."

"This week we've had two training sessions which we haven't had for a number of weeks. After a hectic schedule it's been good just getting back on the training pitch and getting some freshness back into the legs."

Attention now turns back to the Highland League Cup as City make the relatively short jounrey to Pitmedden tomorrow. Andy said, "Formartine are quite direct and they compete well, like a lot of the teams in the Highland League. Formartine are probably one of the stronger teams in the league and I think the game changed with the sending off in the last meeting. They sat really deep and they became very difficult to break down at times so sometimes the other team going a man down can go against you.

"We're expecting a tough game, especially away from home. We lost up there last season which was our only league defeat all season, however we had a legitimate goal chalked off in the first half and then they scored 5 minutes later with a goal that was clearly offside."

ADMISSION INFORMATION
Tomorrow's match kicks off at 3pm. Turnstiles at North Lodge Park will open at 1:30pm with cash only accepted.

Adult: £10.00
65’s & Over: £5.00
Under 16’s: £5.00
Students: £5.00 (if Valid Student ID is presented)
Under 10's: Free if accompanied by a fee paying Adult or Senior Concession

Photographic I.D. may be required for concessions.

A cash bar will also be available at the ground from 1:30pm. Away supporters are welcome.

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 at North Lodge Park.

MATCH OFFICIALS
Tomorrow's match referee is Greg Soutar, assisted by Brian Fowlie and Lewis Burns.

PREVIOUS MEETING
Brechin City 1-0 Formartine United - 29th July 2023
The sides locked horns just four weeks ago in the opening Highland League fixture of the season. The visitors were reduced to 10 men just before the half hour mark when Paul Campbell saw red for a second bookable offence after leading with his elbow.

Formartine defended well and frustrated however City broke the deadlock with just less than quarter of an hour remaining when Ewan Loudon converted a penalty. Formartine were reduced to 9 men in stoppage time when Jonathan Crawford was given a straight red for a dangerous lunge on Fraser MacLeod.