Match Report - By John Hoey

Brechin ‘s unbeaten home record unexpectedly came to en end at the hands of Angus neighbours Arbroath who deservedly won by 2-0 at Glebe Park.

The visitors goals came in a first-half which they dominated, with Steven Hislop grabbing the opener with less than a minute on the clock and Robbie Ross doubling their lead on the half-hour mark.

City improved after the break and put some pressure on the Lichties goal but were unable to create any clear-cut openings.

The result leaves City in third place in the Second Division table, two points ahead of fourth placed Stirling who have a game in hand and eight points behind leaders Alloa Athletic who have played two games more.

Paul McLean failed to recover from a calf strain so Jon Seeley took his place alongside Barry Smith at the heart of the City defence.

The visitors included new signing Phil McGuire in their line-up.

The game was barely a minute old when City found themselves a goal down. Steven Doris made room for himself on the right wing and swung over a cross for Steven Hislop who dispatched a low drive beyond the reach of Craig Nelson.

City had an opportunity to equalise in the 10th minute when they won a free-kick 18 yards from goal but Charlie King’s shot was well saved by Darren Hill.

The visitors were pushing forward and putting the City defence under some pressure and they doubled their lead on the half-hour mark with a controversial goal.

The ball was played out wide to Jamie Redman who was clearly in an offside position but referee John Beaton waved the linesman’s offside flag aside and allowed play to continue. Doris then played a good pass to Ross who had the simple task of slotting the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

The visitors should have gone further ahead in the 52nd minute when Ewan Moyes squared the ball across goal for Hislop but the striker rushed his shot which went high over the bar.

City then had a period of sustained pressure when Rory McAllister and Charlie King both came close but Arbroath held on for a deserved victory.

One interesting statistic is that City have now failed to score in their last three games against Arbroath at the Glebe.

Manager Jim Duffy said,

“ I am bitterly disappointed to lose our unbeaten home record but there’s no doubt that Arbroath fully deserved their victory.”

“ I have no complaints about the outcome as we were flat throughout and there was no real spark about our play.”

“ Arbroath looked very solid and their players moved forward in numbers when they were on the offensive and they fully merited their victory.”

“ However, I’m very disappointed with the manner of our defeat.”

Arbroath manager Jim Weir said,

“ I’m obviously delighted with our win.”

“ We showed real character today and I was particularly pleased with Phil McGuire’s contribution. Although he hasn’t played for a while he was excellent for us today.”

“ Over the piece we were the better side and our three points were fully deserved.”

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