Match Report - By John Hoey

A disappointing performance from City saw them go down by 2-0 against League Leaders Livingston at Almondvale Stadium.

A goal from former Brechin striker Iain Russell gave Livi a deserved half-time lead and a further goal from substitute Robbie Winters a minute from time wrapped up the points for Gary Bollan's men.

City's cause wasn't helped by the dismissal of Rory McAllister in the 70th minute, and their task became impossible with the ordering-off of Gerry McGlauchlan seven minutes from time for a professional foul.

This was an extremely disappointing performance from City who never reached the standards they have set themselves and the team will now have to pick themselves up for Saturday's difficult away tie at Buckie in the 5th round of the Scottish Cup.

City boss Jim Weir made no changes from the team that started against Dumbarton but there was a place on the bench for new signing from Hamilton, Jordan Kilpatrick.

Livi were dominant in the opening stages of the game and former City favourite Iain Russell came close in the 9th minute when his right-foot shot from the edge of the box went just over the bar.

Brechin's first oportunity came after 17 minutes when Andrew Cook delivered a good cross into the box for Rory McAllister who headed for goal but Tony Bullock saved easily.

City created another chance four minutes later when Neil Janczyk played a quick free-kick into the box but David McKenna blasted wide.

However, the hosts grabbed the lead with a glorious goal from Russell in the 25th minute.

The striker picked up a loose pass from Cook around 30 yards from goal and took a couple of steps forward before unleashing a cracking right-foot drive which sailed into the top corner of the net giving Craig Nelson no chance.

Jim Weir then made an immediate change with new signing Kirkpatrick replacing Cook.

The hosts were surging forward at every opportunity and only a great tackle from Paul McLean on Russell in the 37th minute prevented Livi from doubling their lead.

City started the second-half on the offensive and Jamie Redman fired a sihot just wide of the target within the first minute.

Livi responded immediately and Russell scorned a great chance when he blasted a headed pass from Deuchar well past the post.

Kirkpatrick tried a shot for City in the 51st minute but Bullock saved easily.

Livi though were dominating and were looking dangerous every time they moved forward.

Deuchar made room for himself in the box in the 58th minute and looked set to score but Nelson brought off a great save to deny him.

Moyes then came to City's rescue when he did well to block a Russell drive and seconds later Nelson brought off another tremendous save from Deuchar.

There was drama in the 70th minute when McAllister was given his marching orders by referee Charlie Richmond for a second bookable offence

In the 78th minute, Livi substitute Robbie Winters was clean through on goal but Nelson dived low to avert the danger.

Ten-man City were finding it difficult to make any impression on the Livi rearguard and their task became impossible with seven minutes remaining when McGlauchlan was sent off for a professional foul.

Livi pressed hard for the clinching goal and it came with a minute of the game remaing when substitute Robbie Winters powered home Bobby Barr's cross from the left.

Other Results - Irn Bru 2nd Division

Airdrie United 1 Dumbarton 2

Three Vital Points for Sons at Airdrie

Forfar Athletic 0 East Fife 0

No Goals At Station Park