In a unique piece of Club history, supporters of the Glebe Park side will see Brechin City players appear wearing squad numbers and their names on the back of their shirts for the first time as Darren Dods men start the home action in the 2017/18 season with an Angus derby against county rivals Forfar Athletic in a Group A clash in Betfred Cup.

As City did last season, it’s The Loons who had the blank opening Saturday of the season and will be coming into the game fresh – whereas City had the lengthy trip north to face fellow Championship side Inverness Caledonian Thistle who ran out comfortable 3-0 victors. Elsewhere in the section, Falkirk had what reports suggested was an equally comfortable 4-1 win over League Two side Stirling Albion.

The Brechin City squad begins to strengthen with the return of both James Dale and Finn Graham to the midfield. Injury victims Liam Watt and Euan Smith will miss out, as will new signing Ryan McGeever and Chris O’Neil – both of whom are due to return from holiday later this week – such is the impact of such an early start to the season. A handful of players reported knocks in the immediate aftermath of the ICT game, but nothing which rules anyone out of contention.

Supporters are reminded that, as is the convention now in Cup-Ties, 2017/18 Season Tickets will NOT be valid for this match – but, in an agreement with all the clubs in the Group, admission across every tie is an attractive £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Under 16's enjoy free entry.

Season Tickets to cover all of Brechin City’s home games for the season ahead in The Ladbrokes Championship will be available for purchase at the Trinity Road entrance.

There will be free admission for over-18s into The 1983 Hospitality Lounge (soon to be renamed The City Club) and this popular in-house venue will open an hour before kick-off and again immediately after the game.

Betfred Cup-Ties in the Group stages which finish level after 90 minutes will not go to extra time. Instead the game will go straight to a penalty shoot-out, with the winning team securing an extra bonus point to be carried into the group standings. The eight group winners and four best runners up progress to the Second Round of fixtures where they will be joined by Celtic, Aberdeen, Rangers and St Johnstone where the competition reverts to the traditional knockout format on August 8th / 9th.