Match Report - By Steven Mew

Brechin City marched on with their sixth win in six games, dismantling Buckie Thistle 5–0 in sweltering conditions at the Carnegie Fuels Stadium at Glebe Park to maintain their 100% start to the Highland League season.

Manager Ray McKinnon was forced into one change from Wednesday with Brad McKay unavailable. Recent loan signing Wallace Baird came into the side to make his debut.

City wasted little time in asserting themselves, taking the lead after just five minutes. Taylor’s low cross was brilliantly left by Sheridan, giving GRADY MCGRATH the space to compose himself before firing low into the corner past Storrier.

Buckie had a chance to respond on 14 minutes when Euan Spark’s missed clearance gifted an opening to McHardy, but his shot was straight at Hepburn.

Brechin went close again soon after, Taylor’s 25-yard free kick forcing Storrier into a fine save, before the Buckie goalkeeper spilled a cross moments later, only for Sheridan’s effort to lack power.

Mitchell Findlay caused problems down the right, flashing a dangerous cross across goal with no takers while GRADY MCGRATH came within inches of doubling the lead on 37 minutes when he broke clear and struck the inside of the post.

From the resulting corner, though, the striker made no mistake, glancing home Macleod’s delivery for 2–0.

Taylor was tormenting the Buckie defence and provided the assist for Brechin’s third on 42 minutes, his trickery down the left ending with a cross that CILLIAN SHERIDAN rose to head beyond Storrier.

The visitors should have pulled one back in stoppage time when Lyall Keir played in Marcus Goodall, but he dragged his shot wide when he really should have at least hit the target.

If there were any doubts, they were extinguished just two minutes into the second half. MITCH TAYLOR stepped up from 25 yards and curled a stunning free kick into the top corner to make it 4–0 - undoubtedly a contender for goal of the season.

Buckie briefly threatened, Hepburn saving well with his feet before Noble fired a free kick over, but Brechin always looked in control.

The fifth came on 72 minutes from substitute CRAIG TOSH, who had been on the pitch for barely two minutes, lashed high into the net from the edge of the box for his second goal in City colours.

Tosh was fouled soon after to give Taylor another free-kick opportunity, though this time he was unable to replicate his previous exploits and his effort struck the wall.

Brechin saw out the remainder comfortably to record another statement victory, their firepower and defensive solidity once again on display.

Next up for the league leaders is a trip to Banff to face Deveronvale next weekend, as City look to keep their perfect record intact.

Other Results - Breedon Highland League

Brora Rangers 3 Nairn County 1

Forres Mechanics 0 Wick Academy 2

Fraserburgh 2 Inverurie Locos 2

Huntly 0 Turriff United 0

Keith 0 Clachnacuddin 2

Lossiemouth 0 Formartine United 0

Rothes 2 Banks O' Dee 2

Strathspey Thistle 3 Deveronvale 0