Despite not having faced each other in over 13 years, Brechin City face Inverness Caledonian Thistle for the fourth time in less than 6 months as John Robertson’s side is welcomed to Glebe Park.

PITCH UPDATE:
In the main the pitch covers have done their job despite overnight frost, with the vast majority of the pitch soft and playable. Unfortunately, despite a double layer of covers the frost has got into an area of about 3 metres square in the bottom goalmouth. However, taking the forecast into account and depending on overnight conditions, our ground staff feel this area can be worked on to make it playable for the game.

Morning Update: Playing surface in good condition and no plans for a pitch inspection.

CURRENT FORM & PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
City had to endure a ninth one-goal defeat of the season last time out, despite a hugely encouraging second half performance at East End Park against Dunfermline Athletic which saw Aberdeen loanee striker Connor McLennan score for The Glebe Park side with a quite sensational strike. It leaves Darren Dods’ City side still searching for that elusive first Championship victory, and the City boss knows how difficult it will be against an ICT side which apparently seems to keep their best performances for days when Brechin City are the opposition. The side from the Highland capital have both dominated and impressed with 11 goals scored and are yet to concede during the 3 clashes with City this season to date. With the exception of City’s 4-0 reverse at The Tulloch Caledonian Stadium a few weeks ago, goals at either end have been hard to come by latterly for ICT fans, with a meagre total of 8 in the 8 other Championship games played during 2017’s final quarter. That said, this has seen 5 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats during this spell, going a long way to appease the home support after the first quarter fell short of their expectations.

SQUAD NEWS:
Acknowledging the ongoing absence of Ryan McGeever, the options for City Manager Darren Dods continue to gradually increase with the return to fitness of left-back Willie Dyer and striker Andy Jackson pushing for a starting place after his 13 week absence. The exception to this is club captain Paul McLean, who suffered an injury during the first half at East End Park resulting in a half-time substitution.

MATCH OFFICIALS:
The referee tomorrow will be Gavin Duncan, assisted by Brian Templeton and Barry Reid. This will be his third City game of the season, having taken charge of the 2-2 draw against Livingston at The Glebe in August and the away defeat to St Mirren the following month.

HOSPITALITY:
The City Club, which is located within the David H Will Stand inside the confines of Glebe Park, is open to supporters of both teams (under-18’s only) from 1pm through the kick-off, and then again from full-time through to 8pm.

SPONSORSHIP:
The match is being sponsored by first time Boardroom visitors The Duvet Store, and The Club is extending a warm welcome to Gordon Lumsdaine and his guest party. The match ball is kindly being sponsored by Brechin City Honorary Life Member, Ian Jardine.

MATCHDAY SUPPORT:
Brechin City’s Matchday Magazine, “A View from the Hedge” will be available for sale at a cost of only £2, and look out too for the Supporters Club 50:50 Draw Tickets and The Whisky Raffle.

REMEMBER TOO – CELTIC CUP TIE TICKETS NOW ON SALE:
Tickets for the William Hill Scottish Cup Tie against Celtic on 20th January are available for sale for the first time prior to the match. Copy and paste the link below for a reminder of all you need to know.

http://www.brechincity.com/bcfc/servlet/BCFCFrontControllerServlet?action=News&page_id=1952&category=2