Brechin City Football Club

Glebe Park, Brechin, Angus DD9 6BJ

Tel : 01356 623344
Email : secretary@brechincityfc.com
www.brechincity.com

News - 15 March 2019

Brechin City v Montrose - Match Preview - By Steven Mew

City go into the final Angus derby against Montrose tomorrow looking to avenge for the three defeats suffered against the Gable Endies earlier in the campaign.

City now face nine 'cup finals' as they battle to avoid the bottom two and with the rest of the league starting to tighten up, Barry Smith's side will be looking to finish as high up the table as possible with the possibility that a couple of other clubs could yet be sucked into the relegation fight.

TEAM NEWS
Brechin City go into the match with the same pool of players who made the ultimately fruitless journey to Stranraer on Tuesday, meaning that the only definite absentees are Jordan Sinclair, Callum Tapping and Dene Shields.

With an extra few days recovery time, it may well be that central defender Dougie Hill has an increased chance of selection after having been a doubt on Tuesday following his shoulder injury against Forfar Athletic last weekend - a game which saw him notch his first goal of the season.

MANAGERS COMMENTS
Supporters are only too well aware that City have yet to take points off Montrose this season, however the City Manager is more focused on this game than what's gone before.

Commenting after Thursday's training session, Barry Smith said "It's about what we do in our remaining games, as the outcome of previous matches obviously can't be influenced. The form book shows we've lost 2 in 8, so we definitely have something to build on. Turning draws into wins will be crucial and we'll be looking to do exactly that on our home patch on Saturday.

"The players are motivated and keen to do well, so it's up to us to make the most of home advantage in front of our own fans at The Glebe against a Montrose side who have done well this season."

MATCH OFFICIALS
The referee tomorrow is Gavin Ross, who will be assisted by Ross Haswell and Paul Cummings. This will be the third City game Ross has taken charge of this season, having previously officiated in the 2-2 draw against Arbroath in September and the 2-1 defeat to Stenhousemuir at Glebe Park in December.

ADMISSION INFORMATION
The match is not segregated and usual league admission prices apply:

- Adult £15
- Concessions £8
- Parent & Child £18

The City Club bar within the David H Will Stand will be open as usual from 1pm to both sets of supporters, and again after the match until approximately 8pm. The bar will be showing live BT Sport FA Cup coverage of Watford v Crystal Palace before the match and following the game, supporters can enjoy the tie between Swansea City and Manchester City from 5pm.

SPONSORSHIP
Match sponsors tomorrow are Interwell whilst Honorary Life Member Ian Jardine has sponsored the match ball. Many thanks for your support.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Montrose 2-1 Brechin City - 18th August 2018
City made the short journey to Links Park back in August in what was the first league fixture between the sides for over 16 years. It was a disastrous start to the game for City who were 2-0 down on the quarter hour mark and despite Boris Melingui pulling a goal back before half time, it wasn't enough as the Gable Endies held firm to record the win.

Brechin City 1-3 Montrose - 27th October 2018
Despite Sean Burns opening the scoring ten minutes into the second half, City succumbed to a dismal defeat against their Angus neighbours which proved to be Darren Dods' last match as City Manager. A brace from Martin Rennie sandwiched an impressive Craig Johnston strike as the visitors ran out comfortable winners at Glebe Park.

Montrose 5-2 Brechin City - 2nd February 2019
City slumped to a humiliating derby defeat at Links Park in the last meeting between the sides. Skipper Paul Watson gave the hosts an early lead but goals from Euan Smith and Lewis Toshney turned the game on it's head. Paul Watson grabbed his second before Euan Henderson gave the Gable Endies a 3-2 half time lead. Further goals in the second half from Ryan Harrington and Craig Johnston added the gloss to the win for the home side.