Brechin City Football Club

Glebe Park, Brechin, Angus DD9 6BJ

Tel : 01356 623344
Email : secretary@brechincityfc.com
www.brechincity.com

News - 18 August 2017

Dundee Utd v Brechin City: Match Preview - By Grant Hood

Darren Dods takes Brechin City to Tannadice Park to face his immediate Glebe Park managerial predecessor as his side face Dundee United on their home territory for the first time since way back in 1960.

It’s undoubtedly a fixture City fans would have immediately looked out for when this season’s Ladbrokes Championship fixture list was announced, and it is hoped that a considerable Glebe Park following will make the short trip into the City of Discovery to cheer on Pabs, Jacko, Buzz and co.

A look at the record books to review previous City v United clashes generates something of a double take, as it would shock most of a City persuasion that City’s last appearance at that venue against United was quite so long ago. A series of 3 memorable Scottish Cup clashes took place during the 1980’s, but all of those were at Glebe Park.

City supporters of a certain vintage will perhaps recall City did play at Tannadice in 1986 – although, in a classic quiz question scenario – it wasn’t actually to face United. It was the neutral venue for a Scottish Cup Tie second replay against Motherwell – in the days before penalty shoot-outs became the accepted climax to drawn cup replays. And, incredibly, it was only 24 hours after the first replay!

Who would have thought that, at the time of his departure from the City helm, the Glebe Park side would be facing up to Ray McKinnon’s United by virtue of sharing the same league status – yet that’s exactly what the City fans can look forward to – doubtless with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

Barring a Betfred Cup exit to street-neighbours and bitter rivals Dundee, United’s season has started with a flawless sequence of results fully justifying their tag as pre-season favourites to secure the Ladbrokes Championship title and an automatic return to the Ladbrokes Premiership.

In contrast, this City side has, to date, failed to hit the heights enjoyed by everyone associated with The Club in securing Championship football last season. An encouraging second half performance against Livingston last weekend saw City secure their first Championship point of the season. Sadly though, for travelling Glebe Park fans in particular, this was followed by a 2-1 exit from the Irn Bru Cup at the hands of Highland League Champions, Buckie Thistle.

Tuesday’s trip north to rural Aberdeenshire was also costly on the player front. Central defender Ryan McGeever, who had only just returned to the side following suspension, suffered a fractured hand meaning a 6 week absence. Experienced Gary Fusco is also ruled out with a back injury. On the positive side, creative midfielder Liam Watt had his first competitive action of the season with an appearance from the bench and remains in contention for a first team start. Also, Euan Spark, who hobbled off the park in a quite worrying manner, is available for selection – along with Sean Crighton who was unfit to face Buckie after picking up an injury against Livingston.

The match will be refereed by Euan Anderson, a recent visitor to Glebe Park this season, being the man-in-the-middle in the 3-0 defeat to Falkirk in The Betfred Cup.

Brechin City fans will be located in the West Stand (‘Shed’), with entry prices of £20 for adults and £10 for concessions. Supporters are also reminded that smoking is not permitted in any area within the stadium.