Brechin City
1
Stenhousemuir
2
Match Report - By Steven Mew
Stenhousemuir reduced the gap at the bottom of the league to just one point following a narrow win over City at Glebe Park yesterday afternoon.
There was the surprise inclusion of Jordan Tapping to the starting lineup, with the central defender making his first league start for the club and his first appearance since the Betfred Cup tie against Dundee at Dens Park back in July.
Also coming in to the side was Giuliano Morena who made his first start for over two months as Euan Smith and Boris Melingui dropped to the bench following a heavy defeat against Dumbarton last time out.
With the opening minute of the game, Harry Paton won a free kick on the edge of the box for the visitors but Ruaridh Donaldson couldn't keep his effort down.
City were dealt a blow on 8 minutes after referee Steven Reid pointed to the spot after Jordan Tapping was adjudged to have brought down MARK MCGUIGAN in the box. Despite the City players' protestations against the decision, McGuigan dusted himself off to convert the spot kick himself, firing high to Brennan's right.
City's first real effort came on the quarter hour mark when Jordan Sinclair collected Orsi's throw in but his volley flew into the side netting.
The home side thought they had equalised on 28 minutes. A cross whipped in by Orsi from the right was met by Sean Burns who directed his shot beyond ex-City stopper Graeme Smith, however the linesman had his flag up for offside. Video footage shows that Burns had timed his run to perfection and the goal should have stood.
The Warriors threatened with two free kicks which went just wide before City got themselves level two minutes before the break. Andy Jackson brought down a floated Tapping free kick in the box and although he was denied by Smith, the ball broke kindly for JORDAN SINCLAIR who had the easy task of slamming into the net from a couple of yards out.
City came close to get their noses in front two minutes into the second half - Callum Tapping came forward with the ball before unleashing a rasping drive from the edge of the box which was palmed away by Smith.
The rest of the second period produced very little to excite the 355 spectators inside Glebe Park. A positive from a City perspective was the return of skipper Paul McLean from injury as he replaced Jordan Tapping, who was struggling with cramp, on 74 minutes.
Stenny would grab what proved to the winner four minutes later however. A cross swung in from the right found ALAN COOK unmarked at the back post - the substitute winger placed his volley beyond Brennan and into the far corner.
City huffed and puffed in the closing stages to try and find an equaliser but they were unable to test Smith in the Stenny goal.
Next up for City is the long trip south-west to face a Stranraer side who fought back from three goals down to earn a point against East Fife at New Bayview yesterday.
Other Results - Ladbrokes League One
Dumbarton 1 Airdrieonians 1
Last gasp equaliser earns Sons a point against the Diamonds.
East Fife 3 Stranraer 3
Stranraer come from 3 goals down to earn a point at New Bayview.
Forfar Athletic 2 Arbroath 3
The Lichties stretch their lead at the top to a mammoth 13 points.
Montrose 3 Raith Rovers 2
Raith lose more ground at the top of the table after defeat at Links Park.