Match Report - By Steven Mew

Brechin City returned to winning ways in the Highland League with a deserved 2–0 victory over Huntly yesterday evening, a result that lifted them back up to second place in the Highland League table.

Manager Ray McKinnon rang the changes following Saturday’s 3–1 defeat at Formartine, making five alterations to his starting 11. Mitch Taylor was back from suspension, Bayley Klimionek and Marley Sweenie-Rowe were handed starts whilst the Dundee loan duo of Finlay Allan and Wallace Baird also featured from the off.

For Huntly, there were familiar faces in the shape of former City goalkeeper Lenny Wilson between the sticks and midfielder Scott Logan, who both had spells at City.

City began slowly and almost gifted Huntly an opener after just seven minutes. A short backpass from Hutchinson was pounced upon by Robertson, but skipper Euan Spark reacted sharply to make a crucial intervention.

Huntly thought they had taken the lead on 17 minutes when Watson’s cross was turned home by Robertson, but the striker’s joy was cut short by an offside flag.

After that let-off, Brechin began to find their rhythm, and Allan in particular grew into the game. On 26 minutes, McGrath nutmegged his marker down the right hand side before delivering a low cross which Wilson could only parry, but Allan just failed to make contact.

The young forward went close again a minute later, sending Findlay’s low delivery over the bar as he struggled to adjust his feet.

City’s pressure mounted as the half wore on. Taylor’s cross picked out Allan just 8 yards out but his volley crashed off the bar on 35 minutes.

Moments later, Allan again showed his threat with neat footwork inside the box before Wilson denied him at the near post. McGrath then curled just wide from distance, and Findlay blazed over after a surging run, as Brechin peppered the Huntly defence.

The breakthrough finally arrived deep into first-half stoppage time. MITCHELL FINDLAY cut inside from the left and unleashed a thunderous strike that cannoned in off the inside of the post, leaving Wilson rooted to the spot.

Brechin started the second half on the front foot, Allan again causing problems with his movement, though his early effort was blocked before Wilson dealt comfortably with a Taylor free-kick on 49 minutes.

As the game wore on, the conditions deteriorated badly with heavy rain and swirling wind making things difficult for both sides. Chances were scarce, though Huntly did threaten with 17 minutes to play, when a long throw was only half-cleared to Morris, who fired narrowly wide from the edge of the box.

Any nerves were settled five minutes from time. Macleod flighted a corner in to the back post, where GRADY MCGRATH reacted sharply to squeeze a shot in from a tight angle and double City’s lead.

The 2–0 win was no less than Brechin deserved after a dominant first-half display and a solid defensive showing in worsening conditions. The victory not only snapped Saturday’s disappointment but also propelled them back into second place in the Highland League standings.

With no fixture this weekend, McKinnon's side now have a 10-day break to rest and prepare for their next challenge – a home clash against Forres Mechanics on Saturday 20th September.

Other Results - Breedon Highland League

Banks O' Dee 1 Formartine United 0

Buckie Thistle 1 Clachnacuddin 2

Forres Mechanics 2 Keith 2

Fraserburgh 5 Lossiemouth 0

Inverurie Locos 1 Turriff United 2

Rothes 2 Deveronvale 5

Strathspey Thistle 0 Brora Rangers 8

Wick Academy 1 Nairn County 2