Match Report - By John Hoey

Brechin City 1 Stranraer 0

A Jamie Robson goal ten minutes from time netted Brechin City an absolutely vital three points in a deserved but hard-fought win over Stranraer at Glebe Park.

With Forfar Athletic's relegation to League Two confirmed following their 3-2 defeat at Albion Rovers, City will ensure their League One status if they can beat the Loons in next Saturday's derby at Station Park.

With Cowdenbeath losing at home to Stenhousemuir, the Blue Brazil now occupy the relegation play-off spot with City moving up to eighth place, one point behind the Warriors. However, with a vastly superior goal difference over both the Fifers and Stenny, an away victory next Saturday at Station Park would mean that City would retain their League One status, something that had appeared to be well outwith their reach just a few weeks ago.

Against the Blues, City again showed the same grit and determination that has been such a feature of their performances over the course of the last few weeks and the players left the field with the cheers of their supporters ringing in their ears after what had been for them, an emotionally draining ninety minutes.

As expected, manager Darren Dods kept faith with the team that had defeated Peterhead by 5-1 the previous Saturday.

City threatened after just three minutes when a great pass from Andy Jackson sent Robert Thomson away on the left. The big striker made a bee-line for goal before firing in a shot which was just past Cameron Bedford's left-hand post.

City had a huge let off however just a minute later when Mark McGuigan p inked up a pass, turned and fired in a shot which was cleared off the line by Paul McLean.

City hit back and Thomson picked up the ball wide on the right and delivered a good cross into the box for Jackson who unfortunately was crowded out and was unable to get in a shot.

The hosts came close again in the 16th minute when Robson collected a short pass from Liam Watt on the right touchline and crossed into the box but it was headed clear by the visitors defence with Thomson ready to pounce.

Although the Blues were enjoying a lot of possession they were finding it difficult to prise open a solid City rearguard and every time City moved forward they were looking dangerous.

In the 28th minute, Robson picked up a pass from Watt and pushed forward before releasing Jackson whose shot was blocked by Bedford and a couple of minutes later, a long-range effort from Watt was just over.

City kept up the pressure and they had the final chance of the half with three minutes remaining when Thomson picked up the ball wide on the right, pushed forward and cracked in a drive which was just inches past.


City maintained their momentum immediately after the break with Watt firing a drive just inches past the post within the first five minutes. Thomson then saw a back-heeled from a corner go narrowly past.

City were taking the game to their opponents and we're now firmly in the driving seat as they pressed for that elusive opening goal. It nearly arrived in the 70th minute when a Dyer corner from the left saw the ball fall for Robson. Jamie fired in a left-foot shot which looked destined for the bottom corner but Bedford brought off a fantastic save to tip the ball away.

However, the youngster had better luck ten minutes later when he scored his first goal for the club and what an important goal that may ultimately prove to be.

City won a free-kick on the left and Dyer stepped up to deliver a great ball into the box for Robson who steered the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

It was just reward for City's efforts and it was almost 2-0 with five minutes remaining when Blues sub Kyle Turner in attempting to head clear turned the ball against the post.

Other Results - Ladbrokes League One

Airdrieonians 3 Dunfermline Athletic 0

Diamonds Keep Play-Off Hopes Alive After Comfortable Win Over Pars

Albion Rovers 3 Forfar Athletic 2

Loons Relegated After Cliftonhill Loss

Cowdenbeath 1 Stenhousemuir 3

Warriors Overcome Blue Brazil

Peterhead 0 Ayr United 4

Emphatic Win For Honest Men