BRECHIN City chairman, David Birse, has paid tribute to the club's travelling supporters who made the long journey to Berwick on Saturday to cheer their side into the 4th round of the Scottish Cup.

"When we arrived at Berwick on Saturday, I was delighted and taken aback a bit but the number of travelling fans who were there. The weather on the way down wasn't the best and what with it being just after Christmas and the New Year the fans obviously decided that this was a game they couldn't miss.

"If that was the case, then I think this Saturday's game at Stair Park must be even more tempting. It's a huge game for both sides and I urge the entire community to do their utmost to visit Stranraer this Saturday.

"We have just appointed a new manager, who is a hugely popular figure with the fans and he and his new management team and the players deserve the best possible travelling support on Saturday.

"I can't underline how important it is to have a large turn out of Brechin fans down there. While, personally, I don't think the outcome of the game will determine who wins promotion or not, with the gap to third place and a game in hand, it makes it a game which we will be looking to get a result in.

"Stranraer have a small, but very dedicated and vocal support and its vitally important that we Brechiners match them in whatever manner we can before a ball is even kicked.

"They will obviously start as massive favourites being the home side and with an excellent record at Stair Park this season. I believe they also left out a number of their first choice players on Saturday to rest then before playing us. That shows us how seriously they take our challenge.

"We will have our new signing Stuart Callaghan available for the first time and the manager is constantly working on strengthening the squad on an almost daily basis.

"I would ask those Brechiners who aren't regular travellers away from home, if you can make it to one away game this season, then make it to this one. It has all the ingredients to be a cracker."

c Steve Mitchell/Brechin City FC