City may have only gained a draw against 3rd division outfit Queens Park last week-end, but City gaffer Michael O’Neill will have been delighted to stretch the unbeaten run to five matches, after such an inconsistent start to the season.

The performances in recent matches may not have been up to scratch but the team have grinded out the right results, and while the result last week in the Scottish Cup was disappointing, City netted a late equaliser to force a replay at Hampden Park.

Alloa meanwhile, started the season off badly but their form has gradually picked up in the past month, including a win over league leaders Morton at Recreation Park. Alloa boss Allan Maitland appears to be steering the Clackmannanshire club away from the danger zone and into mid-table, and he also picked up the Manager of the Month award for October, which was thoroughly deserved.

City gaffer Michael O’Neill expects a very tough match tomorrow, he said: “I don’t think there are any away games in this division that are ever easy. Alloa have picked up a bit after a poor start and have pulled away from the bottom.

“Three points for them would bring them a lot closer to us in the league, but again this is definitely another opportunity for us to take three points as I felt we dominated Alloa at home earlier this season.

“Actually the way our fixtures fell in the first quarter we went to all of the difficult grounds. Morton, Peterhead and Raith, I feel, were the more difficult ones, as too was Stranraer because of its location. So far this quarter we’ve picked up 12 points in 5 games as apposed to 11 in 9 in the first quarter.

“So we’re already up in this quarter. Tomorrow’s match will be an opportunity to put together a really good quarter, which will be really important as we progress into the season.”

O’Neill was bitterly disappointed at a below par performance against Queen’s Park last week-end but he fully expects the players to bounce back against the wasps.

He said: “We expected it to be a difficult game and it proved to be very difficult. I was disappointed with the way we played – we didn’t play well but we hung in there.

“The pitch made it very difficult and there was no chance to play any real football. But we got the break with the penalty and then had a Paddy Connolly goal disallowed which looked like it shouldn’t have been.

“The ref had a split-second decision to make and decided there had been contact. I’m disappointed because we did put pressure on them in the second half and it would have been nice to finish it at home.

“So we could have won the game, but over 90 minutes, in all honesty, it was a poor performance. Thankfully though, we are still in the cup and now have to go to Queen’s Park – but we’re more than capable.”

The only definite absentee for Brechin is Grant Johnson, who will remain on the sidelines for around another month at least. Iain Russell, who missed last weeks match against Queens Park with a hamstring strain, is fighting to be fit for tomorrows match.

Alloa will have a few key players missing for the match. Chris Townsley is expected to be out until around Christmas with a niggling knee problem while keeper Scott Findlay is out with a fractured elbow. Former Forfar man David McClune will be suspended after his red card against Stranraer last Saturday. Nail McCallum is also a doubt for the home side.

Brechin City Supporter's Club will be running a coach to the match. This bus will leave St Ninian's Square at 11:30am. Anyone wishing to book a seat should call Jim Craig on (01356) 623151.