Match Report - By Keith Johnston

WITH the Championship tied up, Brechin City, recorded another fine victory against a Stirling Albion side, who, at the very least, deserved a share of the points.

City had three shots on target in the entire 90 minutes, two of which brought goals and the other which brought out a fine save from Albion’s young goalkeeper, Scott Christie. But it would be easy to forget that Brechin’s players did their hard work during the previous 34 games.

City seemed to do just enough. However, the home side had a greater number of opportunities, but failed in front of goal and were denied twice by the woodwork.

Yet, Brechin got off to a dream start. Davie White played an accurate pass down the right flank to Ally Mitchell. Mitchell’s cross was brilliantly headed home by Scott Walker, who had started the game in the centre of midfield, as Ian Campbell opted to start with a back three.

Albion responded quickly and Di Giacomo was set up by Dunn, but fired over the bar. Robert Dunn then fired over, before Craig Nelson showed his class with a point-blank save from Davie O’Brien.

Chris Aitken, scorer of a wonderful goal when the Binos were defeat 5-3 at Glebe Park in February then had the ball in the net, but Dunn helped the effort over the line with his hand, which was spotted by the linesman.

Dunn fired a tremendous overhead kick against the crossbar, as Albion continued to make the running.

On the half-hour mark, Albion got a deserved equaliser when Chris Scotland sent Di Giacomo scampering into the City box; he squared for Robert Dunn to level.

However, four minutes before half-time, City were in front again with a candidate for Goal of the Season. Charlie King beautifully flicked a throw-in over his own head and that of Paul Nugent before meeting the bouncing ball on-the-drop and firing in a fantastic volley from 25 yards.

The second half was more akin to a training session or a pre-season game, hardly surprising with neither side having anything but three points and a win-bonus at stake.

With City having reverted to a back four with Walker back in his usual berth, they soaked up Albion’s forays with slightly more confidence.
In the last ten minutes the game sprung to life as Albion tried desperately to get back on level terms. They were denied once again by the woodwork and also by a Grant Johnson goal-line clearance.

However, despite creating more openings, it was City who came closest to increasing their lead when sub ‘Manny’ Panther raced in from the right and struck a powerful drive which brought out a fabulous save from young Christie.

While it was hard to argue that City deserved their victory, when you are worthy Champions, perhaps you are due a wee bit of luck!

Other Results - Bell's League Division 2

Berwick Rangers 2 Ayr United 1

Relegated Berwick get a win over Ayr.

Dumbarton 3 Arbroath 0

Arbroath are down as Dumbarton win 3-0 to stay up.

Forfar Athletic 1 Alloa Athletic 1

Share of the points at Station Park. Forfar travel to Brechin for the last game of the season next Saturday.

Stranraer 1 Morton 1

Joy for Stranraer as they hold Morton to a point and clinch promotion.