Match Report - By Match Secy

BRECHIN produced a battling display of guts rather than fancy football to net another three vital points in their ongoing push for the promotion. However, this results means, if Brechin could win their two games in hand against Raith on Tuesday and Arbroath on Saturday, then automatic promotion remains a possibility

City fans, to be fair, didn't witness the best spectacle Glebe Park has hosted this term. However, in the last 12 months City have played better football than they did on Saturday and lost! At this stage of the season getting three points is everything.

Jim Duffy was robbed of the services of Kevin Byers who had been bedded with a virus for much of the week, but whom is expected to be back in the squad for the visit of Raith. Charlie King came in to the side and Ross Harvey, the new arrival from Glasgow Rangers had to make do with a place on the bench.

The first half was really a game of few chances and Alloa were always a threat, especially with their exceptional delivery from set plays. Brechin conceded a few free-kicks, throughout the first half. However, another consistent factor was the display of the City defence and goalkeeper Craig Nelson, who were solid throughout.

Alloa's Dougie Wilson had an effort saved by Craig Nelson in the first half before Ian Nimmo shot narrowly over the bar.
Alloa's 16 year-old striker, Greig Spence, fired wide from the edge of the box as the scores remained goalless.

Both sides went on to survive first half penalty claims of the strong variety. First of all, from one of Alloa's free-kicks into the City boc, Willie Dyer, who gave another wise flawless performance, seemed to get too close to his marker, whom was bundled over. Play on said referee Bobby Madden, who was making his first Glebe Park appearance.

A few minutes later and it was City's turn to scream penalty. Neil Janczyk got on the end of a great move down the left flank and only six yards from goal and with an open goal to shoot at he was brought down. Again play on was the cry from Mr Madden, who the penalty decisions and a couple of debatable pass back decisions apart, didn't do too badly.

Charlie King had the first opportunity of the second half, as Brechin appeared to start with a bit more purpose. The wee winger cut in from the left hand side of the Wasps' box and jinked past his marker before unleashing a well hit drive which Ray Jemella pushed away to safety.

City made the breakthrough in the 59th minute and it was a goal made and executed by the grit and determination of Rory McAllister. The ball come into the big striker's feet and he appeared to have lost the chance, but somehow managed to get his foot to the ball and he poked it past the helpless Alloa stopper.

Alloa fought back again and substitute Andy Scott was almost fortunate when his cross into the box rebounded off the outside of the joint of crossbar and post and behind. And another sub, Brian Carrigan hammered an uninspiring free-kick against the wall.

City introduced Darren Smith with seven minutes left and the Skipper's arrival marked an upturn in his team's fortunes once again. Indeed, a misplaced clearance almost handed the Brechin captain a goal on a plate. However, although his awareness to net from fully 50 yards was good, he couldn't get his foot around the ball to steer it towards goal and his effort bounced wide of the post.

With a minute left Ross Harvey made his City debut replacing Rory McAllister and in the last minute Davie Murie replaced the tireless Ian Nimmo, who had another good game in the City midfield, as Jim duffy successfully saw out the 90 minutes and three and-and-a-half minutes of stoppage time.