St Johnstone
4
Brechin City
1
Match Report - By Steven Mew
ST JOHNSTONE’S burgeoning new strike partnership lit up this re-arranged Challenge Cup tie as the Perth men strolled into the semi-finals thanks to a first half goal glut.
A double from Kenny Deuchar and strikes from Andy Jackson and David Weatherston were enough to see off the Glebe Parkers.
The tie was controversially called off last week due to faulty lights in the main stand but, after a poor opening 20 minutes, on-loan hitman Kenny Deuchar flicked the switch on a brilliant home showing.
The towering target man showed a bit of flair to connect with David Weatherston’s right wing cross on 25 minutes to deliver a perfect overhead kick past Chris McCluskey in the Brechin goal.
Brechin showed little attacking flair during the opening half and it was no surprise when Saints went two up, Jackson scoring his third goal in four matches when he nodded in Weatherston’s centre on 36 minutes.
Just six minutes later, Deuchar scored his second, outjumping Scott Walker and sending a looping header from Gary Irvine’s cross high into the net.
Brechin were desperately hoping for the half time whistle but couldn’t hold out as Weatherston netted following the best move of the match.
Lively Jackson crossed from the left to his strike partner, Deuchar. His knock down was gathered by Paul Sheerin who centred for Weatherston to net Saints’ second goal in two minutes from close range.
Brechin manager Martin O’Neill gave top scorer Martin Johnston just 10 minutes of the second half before replacing him with Calum Smith and the substitute needed just two minutes to make an impact, taking advantage of sloppy defending to slip the ball under Kevin Cuthbert.