Match Report - By Steven Mew

Brechin City’s unbeaten start to the Breedon Highland League season continued at Princess Royal Park yesterday afternoon, but Ray McKinnon's side were forced to settle for a share of the spoils in a hard-fought 0–0 draw with Deveronvale.

City made two changes from the side that overcame Buckie Thistle last weekend. Craig Tosh came into the starting line-up, whilst Ben Armour was handed a place in attack as he made his first competitive start for the Club. Mitchell Findlay dropped to the bench whilst Cillian Sheridan was unavailable.

The game opened at a fairly subdued tempo, with both sides probing without creating much in the way of clear-cut chances. The first real opportunity came in the 26th minute when Paul Watson’s lofted through-ball released Mitch Taylor. Taylor’s effort was well-struck, but Vale goalkeeper Sean McIntosh spread himself to block with his legs.

Moments later Watson himself threatened, latching onto a loose ball at the edge of the box and sending a powerful volley goalward that McIntosh tipped over at full stretch.

Grady McGrath also went close for City, forcing the keeper into another save from a free-kick on 32 minutes, as Brechin began to turn up the pressure.

Deveronvale, however, carried a threat on the counter. Their best chance of the half came just before the interval. Michael Watson broke into space and saw his shot blocked before Jamie Maclellan fired over from range, ensuring the sides went in level at the break.

The match burst into life after the restart. On 52 minutes, Vale were awarded a contentious penalty when former City striker Garry Wood went to ground under a challenge from Farquhar. The Brechin defender appeared to win the ball, but referee Joel Kennedy pointed to the spot.

Maclellan stepped up to take the kick, but Craig Hepburn produced a magnificent save, diving to his right to push the ball onto the post before the defence scrambled clear.

It was hoped that the penalty save would galvanise the visitors, however Hepburn was again called into action minutes later as he did well to hold onto a curling strike from Jack Mitchell.

At the other end, Mitch Taylor then had a chance to repeat his set-piece heroics from last week, but his free-kick drifted harmlessly over from 25 yards.

City created a flurry of chances around the hour mark. Findlay cut inside smartly from the left before firing into the side netting and moments later he combined with McGrath for a one-two on the edge of the box only to shoot straight at McIntosh.

Immediately at the other end, a defensive lapse nearly proved costly when Hutchinson’s misjudged header let Mitchell in, but Hepburn was equal to the shot.

McGrath broke through on 74 minutes, only to be denied by a crucial last-ditch challenge and shortly after, he saw his free kick from the edge of the box deflect off the wall.

In the closing stages, substitute Spencer Moreland teed up Findlay in the 88th minute, but McIntosh again saved well with his feet.

In added time, City hearts were in mouths when Vale’s Fergus Alberts rose highest to meet a free-kick, but his header drifted narrowly wide of the far post.

Overall it was a game in City struggled to get into any kind of rhythm and they had keeper Craig Hepburn to thank for the penalty save to ensure the unbeaten run continued.

Next up for City is a return to the Carnegie Fuels Stadium at Glebe Park next weekend, where they will look to return to winning ways but face a stern test against an in-form Clachnacuddin side.

Other Results - Breedon Highland League

Buckie Thistle 1 Banks O' Dee 3

Clachnacuddin 6 Strathspey Thistle 0

Formartine United 1 Keith 1

Inverurie Locos 4 Rothes 0

Lossiemouth 1 Huntly 2

Nairn County 4 Forres Mechanics 0

Turriff United 3 Brora Rangers 4

Wick Academy 1 Fraserburgh 2