City have the opportunity to reach the final of the Highland League Cup for the first time as Andy Kirks' men take on Fraserburgh at the Carnegie Fuels Stadium at Glebe Park tomorrow.
Both sides were in action in stormy conditions on Wednesday evening with contrasting results. City netted a last minute winner to defeat Banks O' Dee whilst the Broch struggled to a 2-2 draw against Keith at Kynoch Park.
City will be looking to go one better than last season, having been knocked out by Inverurie Locos at the semi final stage last year.
TEAM NEWS
City will welcome back Michael Cruickshank after being unavailable for the last two matches however Lewis Martin will sit out through suspension after picking up a yellow card in the each of the previous two rounds. Otherwise, Anthony McDonald remains the only other definite absentee for City.
MANAGERS COMMENTS
Andy Kirk was a happy man following the hard-fought win over Banks O' Dee on Wednesday. He said,
"It was a great result for us. Banks O' Dee away from home is one of the tougher games for us - they are a decent side and I'm sure they will be up the top end of the league come the end of the season.
"We had a lot of the ball in the first half and probably unlucky not to be ahead whilst we were denied a stonewall penalty - it was a ridiculous decision. In the second half we found it difficult to get out because of the wind. Throughout the game Banks O' Dee only really had pressure in the wide areas but I thought the boys dealt really well with it.
"The boys kept going until the end and they deserved what they got - it was a pleasing result. Ryan (Ferguson) was the right type of the player to take the free kick - he used the player on the outside of the wall as a guide and it was a great finish.
"The supporters could see what it meant to the players and vice versa - those things are really important. The support was brilliant and it was great up there last year as well. They are turning up in their numbers, making noise and getting right behind the team as well. It's a special thing to have.
Looking ahead to tomorrows semi-final against Fraserburgh, he said,
"Our season so far has been tough so we've been used to difficult matches and this weekend is no different. The carrot at the end is a cup final and hopefully we can replicate the performances of the last few weeks. It'll be a tough game as Fraserburgh are a strong team and have a lot of threats."
ADMISSION INFORMATION
Tomorrow's match kicks off at 3pm. Admission prices are £10 for adults, £5 for concessions (Over 65's, 16/17 year olds and students) and FREE for Under 16's. Please note season tickets are not valid. Digital tickets should be purchased at the following link -
PURCHASE TICKETS
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 Filippo Mazzoni, assisted by Lee Paterson and Kieran Sharp.
PREVIOUS MEETING
Brechin City 5-0 Fraserburgh - 12 April 2023
City’s title hopes were given a huge boost towards the end of last season as Andy Kirk’s side put in a 5-star show to sweep aside Fraserburgh at Glebe Park.
A scintillating first half performance saw City go in four goals to the good at the break with Botti Biabi, Fraser MacLeod and Marc Scott (2) on target. There would be no repeat of the collapse against the Broch the previous season as City went on to add a fifth goal through Grady McGrath in the second half.
SPONSORSHIP & MASCOT
Our matchball sponsor tomorrow is lifelong supporter Martin Clark who is back in Brechin on holiday from America whilst our mascot tomorrow is Harry Anderson!
