Match Report - By Steven Mew

Brechin City bowed out of the Scottish Cup at the third round stage following a 2–0 defeat to League One Kelty Hearts in a match short on clear openings but ultimately decided by the home sides' sharper finishing.

City matched Kelty for long spells in open play and were competitive across the pitch, but a lack of cutting edge in the final third - combined with Kelty taking the few chances that did fall their way - proved decisive.

With goalkeeper Craig Hepburn unavailable, Ruaridh Lynch returned to the Club on a co-operation loan from Dundee. There were further changes as Adam Hutchinson, Harry Craig and Ethan Crombie all came into the starting XI.

Kelty threatened first when a lofted ball over the top released ex-Montrose forward Craig Johnston who got the wrong side of the defence - his low effort across goal drifted past the far post.

A few minutes later, Kelty pushed again as Lewis Moore drove forward and struck from 20 yards, though Lynch was well positioned to gather comfortably.

City had a glorious opportunity on 9 minutes when Grady McGrath burst into the area and cut the ball back perfectly for Fraser Macleod who connected powerfully, but his effort flashed narrowly wide of the near post. It proved to be City’s clearest opening of the afternoon.

Shortly after the quarter hour mark, the hosts took the lead. From a corner on the left, Brechin failed to clear and INNES MURRAY reacted quickest, flicking the ball into the net to give Kelty the breakthrough.

Kelty looked to press home their advantage with Luke McCarvel drilling a low shot from a tight angle, but Lynch got down sharply to save at his near post.

From there until the interval, City enjoyed good spells of possession but struggled to create further chances of note.

On 56 minutes, Kelty came close to doubling their advantage when goalscorer Innes Murray burst into the box and hammered a shot off the near post and the rebound fell to Johnston who blazed over from close range.

On the hour mark, Substitute Joseph Teasdale attempted an improvised hooked volley inside the box, but Lynch was equal to it once more.

Kelty doubled their advantage on 64 minutes through a moment of real quality. ALEX FERGUSON collected the ball 20 yards from goal and unleashed a spectacular dipping strike that flew beyond Lynch into high into the net.

City’s hopes of a comeback faded further when Cillian Sheridan - already on a booking - was shown a contentious second yellow. The referee judged he had led with an elbow when challenging for a high ball which was met with bemusement from most within the ground.

In the closing stages, former City loanee Aaron Arnott drove forward and shot low but Lynch made another routine stop and Kelty almost added a late third when McCarvel unleashed a powerful strike from 10 yards, cannoning off the crossbar with Lynch beaten.

A disappointing afternoon for Brechin, who competed well in most areas of the pitch but couldn’t produce enough cutting edge to worry their League One opponents.

City will feel frustrated at the lack of chances created and the contentious red card that removed any hope of a comeback.

Attention now shifts to a Highland League Cup Second Round tie at home to Nairn County next weekend.