After the cold snap put paid to all but one Highland League fixture last weekend, City return to action tomorrow afternoon with a tough trip to face Formartine United at North Lodge Park.

The sides have already met twice this season, with City coming out on top on both occasions. Formartine visited the Carnegie Fuels Stadium at Glebe Park on the opening day of the league season with Ewan Loudon's late penalty the difference between the sides.

Just four weeks later, City travelled to North Lodge Park in the 1st round of the GPH Builders' Merchants Highland League Cup, running out 3-1 winners. Former City man Julian Wade had given the hosts an early lead but City fought back with goals from Liam Duell, Stuart Heenan and Marc Scott sealing progress to the 2nd round.

Despite these recent successes, North Lodge Park hasn't been a happy hunting ground on league duty for City. Last season Formartine ran out 2-0 winners in Pitmedden and the season prior they dealt a crushing blow to City's title aspirations with a 1-0 victory. Gavin Price and his side will doubtless be looking to make it third time lucky in Aberdeenshire.

TEAM NEWS
City's only definite absentees will be Anthony McDonald and Kevin McHattie whilst Manager Gavin Price hopes to run the rule over a trialist striker. Hamish Thomson and Liam Duell, who had been nursing injuries last week have both trained this week and will be available for selection.

Gavin provided an update on Kevin McHattie, he said, "Kevin was involved in a large part of the training session last night and we'll see how he reacts to that. There are positive signs there that he could be back sooner than first expected."

MANAGERS COMMENTS
Despite the disappointment of a postponement last weekend, it has given Manager Gavin Price the opportunity to work with his squad in training. He commented, "We've had some good training sessions and the chance to work on a few things that I think we can be better at. The players' attitudes have been first class and it's given me the opportunity to get to know everyone a little bit better.

Attention now turns to a tough trip to face Formartine tomorrow afternoon. Gavin said, "We won against them up there in the cup earlier in the season so hopefully we can take a wee bit of confidence from that. If we can apply ourselves like we have been in training then hopefully we can come away with a positive result."

ADMISSION INFORMATION
Tomorrow's match kicks off at 3pm. Admission prices are £10 for adults and £5 for concessions (65 and over, under 16’s and students - ID required). Under 10’s go free with a paying adult or senior concession.

SUPPORTERS' TRAVEL
Brechin City Supporters' Club are running a coach to the game which will leave St Ninians Square at 11:30am. Limited seats available, to book please text 07740 856565.

MATCH OFFICIALS
Tomorrow's match referee is Lewis Brown, assisted by Daniel Donohoe and Brian Fowlie.

PREVIOUS MEETING
Formartine United 1-3 Brechin City - 26th August 2023
The sides last met in the 1st round of the GPH Builders Merchants Highland League Cup back in August, with City progressing to the next round. Former City man Julian Wade gave the hosts an early lead but Liam Duell levelled on the half hour mark with a delightful strike from the edge of the box. Stuart Heenan netted his first competitive goal to give City the lead six minutes before the break.

Despite some pressure from the home side in the second half as they pushed for a leveller, a curling effort from Marc Scott just a few minutes from time sealed the win.