Brechin City welcome former Manager Jim Duffy and his Greenock Morton side to Glebe Park as 2018 First-Foots, with the home side continuing to search for that elusive first Championship victory.

PITCH UPDATE:
Given the heavy rain over recent hours, the pitch is understandably very wet and will be appraised early on Saturday to assess whether a formal inspection will be required.

Morning Update: Playing surface will be heavy but no pitch inspection planned.

CURRENT FORM & PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
City suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Inverness CT at Glebe Park last weekend, despite leading 2-1 going into the break and the visitors being reduced to 10 men in the second half. Darren Dods’ men endured an altogether more torrid time at Tannadice on Tuesday, in a somewhat unconventional New Year derby against Dundee United. City started poorly, losing goals early in each half to put the game well beyond reach before Jordan Sinclair scored from the penalty spot to notch City’s first goal on United’s home turf in some 58 years. Perhaps it’s no co-incidence that 3 of City’s more disappointing performances have come in midweek games, considering the early season Irn Bru Cup exit to Buckie Thistle and the November league visit to Inverness CT. Ironically it was Morton who were the beneficiary of the ICT defeat as they comfortably dispatched City 4-1 at Cappielow the following weekend. The men from Greenock come into this game however with a loss, a win and a draw in the 3 games since – albeit against 3 of the Championship’s form sides in Dundee United, Inverness CT and current pacesetters St Mirren. The previous clash in October saw the 'Ton leave The Glebe with all 3 points as a result of an 81st minute goal from Andy Murdoch.

SQUAD NEWS:
Speculation remains that this could be the game which sees Andy Jackson make his first start for City since facing Dundee United at Tannadice way back in August. Other changes are likely as Manager Darren Dods looks for a winning formula, with the departure of both Ally Love and Elliot Ford from the squad, and the welcome addition of Callum Tapping, who re-signed for City after departing for full-time football with Queen of the South some 2½ seasons ago. He has performed well in training and is a strong contender to start the game. Skipper Paul McLean has now fully recovered from the injury sustained at Dunfermline Athletic just before Christmas leaving defender Ryan McGeever as the only definite absentee. A doubt for the visitors is former City frontman Robert Thomson who is looking to recover from a groin injury.

MATCH OFFICIALS:
The referee tomorrow will be John McKendrick, assisted by Frank Connor and David Ingram. This is John's second game in charge of City this season, having visited The Glebe in September to taken charge of the 3-0 defeat to Dunfermline Athletic in September.

HOSPITALITY:
The City Club, which is located within the David H Will Stand inside the confines of Glebe Park, offers free access to supporters of both teams (Over-18’s only) from 1pm through the kick-off, and then again from full-time through to 8pm. There is availability too for day-guests in The Platinum Lounge, which opens at 2pm, for £30 per person – including gate entry.

SPONSORSHIP:
The match is being sponsored by long-time supporters and sponsors, AP Jess Ltd. The Club is indebted to Allan Jess and we thank him for his staunch support. The matchball sponsorship is dedicated to the memory of long-distance Brechin City fan Ian Wagstaffe, who sadly passed away last year.

MATCHDAY SUPPORT:
This match sees Under-12’s gain free access when accompanied by a paying adult, as part of an SPFL pricing initiative adopted by all Championship clubs during the weekends when their Premiership counterparts are enjoying a winter break. Brechin City’s Matchday Magazine, “A View from the Hedge” will be available for sale at a cost of only £2 – and look out for a feature on City supporter Jim Scott. Look out too for the Supporters Club 50:50 Draw Tickets and The Whisky Raffle for sale before kick-off with winning numbers announced at half-time.

REMEMBER TOO – CELTIC CUP TIE TICKETS NOW ON SALE:
Tickets for the William Hill Scottish Cup Tie against Celtic on 20th January are available for sale prior to the match from 1.30pm to 2.45pm. Copy and paste the link below for a reminder of all you need to know.

http://www.brechincity.com/bcfc/servlet/BCFCFrontControllerServlet?action=News&page_id=1959&category=2