Match Report - By Steven Mew

City made it three wins from three in the Highland League however didn’t have it all their own way against a much-improved Strathspey Thistle side yesterday afternoon.

All goals came in the first half with the game effectively over as a contest at the interval, but the visitors could consider themselves unlucky not to have got themselves on the scoresheet.

Nonetheless, the result put City at the top of the Highland League and now the challenge will be to keep themselves there over the coming weeks and months.

Manager Ray McKinnon made one change to the side that defeated Keith in midweek as Spencer Moreland made way for Mitchell Findlay who had netted twice late on at Kynoch Park. Adam Hutchinson also returned to the bench having missed the last two fixtures.

On a sweltering afternoon at the Glebe, City were quick out the traps with Sheridan volleying over from Taylor’s cross in the opening two minutes and barely 60 seconds later, the home side were ahead.

A long throw into the danger area from Taylor wasn’t dealt with by the Strathspey defence and the ball fell kindly for PAUL WATSON who converted from close range for his first City goal.

On 6 minutes Macleod played a pass into McGrath’s feet on the edge of the box but his strike was deflected wide for a corner.

Despite City’s bright start, it was the visitors who had the better of the chances for the next 20 minutes. Shaun Morrison was first to threaten for the Jags when he got in behind the defence but Hepburn did well to close the angle and save with his feet.

On 22 minutes Hepburn was called into action again when Morrison almost took advantage of a short back-pass from Sweeney but the on-loan St Johnstone keeper was off his line quickly to avert the danger and intercept.

Strathspey kept causing the City rearguard problems with Calum Brown cutting inside from the left and flashing a shot wide of the far post on 25 minutes.

On the half hour mark, another long throw from Taylor wasn’t dealt with properly by Strathspey and the ball fell for Macleod on the edge of the box but his low drive was kept out by the feet of Danny Gillan.

Immediately after, there was a sigh of relief as City were awarded a penalty when Mitch Taylor went down under the challenge of Calum Brown inside the box. GRADY MCGRATH stepped up to take and confidently sent high his penalty into the top corner to give City a much-needed cushion.

Two minutes before the break, City made it 3 with a well-worked goal. Ferguson played a quick free kick to Macleod who threaded an inch perfect pass in behind for Findlay who put it on a plate for CILLIAN SHERIDAN who couldn’t miss from a couple of yards out.

There was still time for Strathspey to threaten just before the interval as former Inverness man Aaron Doran struck the top of the bar with a dipping free kick.

City could perhaps feel a bit fortunate to be 3 goals ahead at the break but in the searing heat, the first half was as good as it got for either side truth be told.

For City, perhaps the gruelling schedule combined with the conditions started to take it’s toll as they never really looked like adding to their advantage in the second 45.

A few minutes after the restart Findlay fired over the bar from Taylor’s low cross down the left whilst midway through the half, McGrath glanced his header straight at the keeper from Watson’s delivery.

On 52 minutes a charged down clearance gave the visitors an opportunity as they broke forward but Hepburn again was quickly off his line slide in and win the ball, however referee Owen Lawrence had other ideas as he awarded a free kick and booked the City keeper.

Quarter of an hour from time, Ferguson produced some energy to burst through the heart of midfield before playing the ball out to substitute Craig Tosh who was denied by a fine save from Gillan.

Owen Lawrence called time as City continued their 100% start to the season, keeping another clean sheet in the process. Next up is a trip up to face Rothes at Mackessack Park on Saturday.

Other Results - Breedon Highland League

Banks O' Dee 1 Keith 1

Buckie Thistle 2 Lossiemouth 1

Deveronvale 0 Turriff United 3

Forres Mechanics 2 Rothes 0

Fraserburgh 3 Brora Rangers 0

Inverurie Locos 0 Huntly 3

Nairn County 1 Clachnacuddin 0

Wick Academy 1 Formartine United 3