Match Report - By Match Secy

BRECHIN'S unbeaten run in the league continued at Methil on Saturday. City enjoying the better of the first half and their hosts the better of the second.

The only change to the City side came at right-back where Richard Walker replaced Davie Murie.

All too often the game became bogged down in the middle of the park with a stray pass from eith side failing to meet it’s intended target or being mopped up by two well organised sets of defenders, both of whom had a good shape to them for most of the game. It also looked like Brechin were carrying a wee bit of a hangover in the second half having had a tough cup encounter for ten of the assembled individuals, against Kilmarnock.

The first clear chance fell on 16 mins when Jon Smart headed a Cameron corner against Nelson, before it was cleared.

Seeley, who gave an otherwise flawless performance, in what has been a big step up for him from the East of Scotland League, then almost netted an own goal when he misdirected a headed pass-back. A Janczyk free kick was then held comfortably by McCulloch, before another Cameron corner caused problems for Nelson - he punched out to McDonald's feet, but the former City man couldn’t control the ball.

The Fifers started the second half better - a great Campbell run and cross led McManus to head over; then Linn had a superb run and shot which was deflected wide. Brechin replied with a great bit of skill from Kevin Byers that ended with a 25 yard shot, that McCulloch dived full length to save. Sadly, this was a rare occurance in the second half.

McManus and Young had further chances before the Fifers began to run out of steam midway through the second period -

Some City fans thought they should have had a penalty when Charlie King had a good chance in front of goal, but Jon Smart muscled him off the ball and referee McKendrick waved play on.

While the reds never reached the heights they had done on their previous visit to Methil, Brechin were delighted to come away with a point in a game that followed a tough midweek tie and with September now upon us, Michael O’Neill is desperate to see his side continue their unbeaten start to the league campaign for another month - or eight!

The only caution of what was an easy afternoon for whistler John McKendrick was handed out to Bobby Linn for a crude attempt at a trip on Darren Smith.

Perhaps, the best thing for some of these Brechin players now is a rest, given the fact that a very “settled” side has started the season.

East Fife: McCulloch, Nugent, Cameron, Smart, Fotheringham, McDonald, Linn [Crawford 86], Young, McManus, Templeman [O'Reilly 71], Campbell [Gordon 73]. Subs not used: Brown, Muir.

Brechin City: Nelson, Walker, Dyer, Seeley, White, Janczyk, Byers, Nimmo [King 73], Twigg, Diack, Smith. Subs not used: Smith, Nelson, Murie, McCluskey.

Ref: J McKendrick