The Carnegie Fuels Stadium at Glebe Park will host a capacity crowd tomorrow evening as we come up against Heart of Midlothian in an eagerly awaited Scottish Cup 4th round clash.
The tie, which is being screened live by BBC Scotland, has the makings of an intriguing encounter as the current Highland League leaders pit their wits against the Premiership side.
A repeat of the last Scottish Cup encounter between the sides 30 years ago would be most welcome, as City held the Jambos to a draw before eventually going down 1-0 in the replay at Tynecastle.
There will be no replays this time round however, with the tie being played to a finish on the night - with extra time and penalties if required.
TEAM NEWS
City will definitely be without the services of the injured Anthony McDonald, whilst Seth Patrick is suspended after picking up a booking in each of the last two rounds of the competition.
MANAGERS COMMENTS
Manager Patrick Cregg commented,
"Going into tomorrow's important cup tie, we are top of the league which of course is our priority and from there, hopefully, can then make it into the Play-offs en-route to a return to League Two.
"So far, I am happy with the efforts of a good group of players and will be looking for even more as well as greater consistency as we head into the crucial end of the season.
"Facing Hearts, however, brings a different challenge but a very exciting one as it a fantastic opportunity for Brechin City to test themselves against high-level competition and demonstrate the progress we have made.
"Undoubtedly, being at the top of our game is essential if we are to cause an upset. Hearts have made a surprisingly slow start to their league campaign and, unexpectedly, are in the lower reaches of the table.
"I have watched Hearts recently and obviously, given their league placing, they haven’t been firing on all cylinders though recent results have shown a marked improvement. Being a top tier club will still present a formidable challenge to us.
"As recent results in this competition have shown, the underdogs have had their day on several occasions with Aberdeen’s demise at Darvel a couple of years ago a prime example.
"Unfortunately, with last Saturday’s match at Deveronvale being postponed, we now face Hearts without any competitive action for three weeks. On the plus side, we have no new injuries and has helped any knocks to clear up so are in good shape for what has the makings of a classic cup tie."
ADMISSION INFORMATION
Kick off is 7:45pm. Supporters should note that the game is all-ticket and the home end is completely sold out for this fixture. There will be no option to pay at the gate on the night. Turnstiles will open at 6pm and supporters are advised to arrive as early as possible to ease congestion at the turnstiles.
There will be strict segregation in place, with Hearts fans entering via the main Trinity Road turnstiles whilst Brechin City supporters will enter via the Cemetery End turnstiles at the bottom end of the ground.
Brechin City supporters will occupy the Cemetery End terracing and Main Centre Stand, whilst Hearts supporters will occupy the David H Will Stand behind the goal and Hedge Side terracing. It will state clearly on your ticket as to whether your ticket admits you to the stand or terracing. A stand ticket entitles you to a seat however these are unallocated.
MATCH PROGRAMME
The Club have produced a one-off souvenir programme for tomorrow’s Scottish Cup, priced at £5.
The 36-page full colour edition will be on sale from both ends of the ground and for those unable to attend the game, it is available to purchase online at the following link -
MATCH PROGRAMME
CAR PARKING
The car park at Glebe Park will be used for authorised officials and supporters buses only. There is sufficient street parking available around the stadium but please be respectful to local residents.
CLUB SHOP & CITY CLUB BAR
Unfortunately due to segregation, the Club Shop will be closed and the City Club bar will be open to visiting Hearts supporters only from 6:15pm. Please note that there is limited capacity within the City Club and admittance will be on a first come, first served basis.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Tomorrow's match referee is Grant Irvine, assisted by Graham McNeillie and Alastair Taylor. The 4th official will be Steven Kirkland.
LAST TIME OUT
Due to the recent cold snap, City have been out of action for 3 weeks with the last fixture being the 5-1 victory over Huntly at Christie Park on 28th December. Hearts were in action on Sunday, as they played out a 0-0 draw against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
PREVIOUS MEETING
Brechin City 1-2 Hearts (AET) - 19 August 1992
The last competitive meeting between the sides came over 32 years ago in a League Cup fixture at Glebe Park. There was nothing to separate the teams after 90 minutes, however the Jambos netted in extra time to progress into the next round.
SPONSORSHIP
Tomorrow's match sponsor is Sandy Mackie & Son whilst the matchball has been sponsored by Colin Taylor. Thanks to all for your support and we hope you enjoy your evening in hospitality.
MASCOTS
We are delighted to welcome 4 mascots tomorrow evening, with the team being led out by brothers Jaxon & Joey Fyfe and also sisters Sophia and Lucie Stephen.
