Match Report - By Grant Hood

BRECHIN CITY 2-0 THE SPARTANS

A goal in each half secured Darren Dods' side a victory against Lowland League team Spartans in the first of the scheduled pre-season friendlies in advance of what promises to be an exciting and challenging season ahead in The Ladbrokes Championship.

This was the first chance for City fans to see former loanee Isaac Layne back in Brechin City colours, as well as new signings Ryan McGeever and local lad and former Dundee United Youth Team player, Euan Spark.

Manager Darren Dods listed shirt no’s 6, 7 and 8 as trialists, all of whom would be given lengthy run-outs in an attempt to impress City's Management team.

The Spartans striker Ross Allum cannoned the ball off Paddy O’Neil’s crossbar after 15 minutes before Isaac Layne had City’s first attempt on goal – a low drive which was saved by the keeper’s legs. City took the lead on 24 minutes through a deflected 25-yard shot from Chris O’Neil, with the visitors surviving a scare as Liam Watt’s inswinging corner hit the far post just before half-time.

The second half started with Ryan McGeever taking to the pitch alongside last season’s top scorer Andy Jackson as well as Finn Graham, Aron Lynas and James Dale.

City continued to enjoy much of the territorial advantage although the visitors were proving to be worthy opposition. Early season slackness was understandably evident at times though, with some poor touches in defence in particular - but coming to no harm.

The home side's second goal arrived on the hour mark with an exquisite forward pass from James Dale allowing Andy Jackson to gather possession at the by-line. ‘Jacko’ jinked past two Spartans defenders before cutting the ball back to the trialist No 8 who side-footed the ball high into the net.

That ended the day’s scoring to leave the most notable subsequent event as a novel appearance from the substitute’s bench by Manager Darren Dods – who clearly enjoyed his cameo appearance with a thundering clearing header, a turf-ripping sliding tackle and even an attempt on goal.