Brechin City Football Club

Glebe Park, Brechin, Angus DD9 6BJ

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

News - 22 September 2022

Match Preview | Inverness CT v Brechin City - By Steven Mew

City are headed for the Highland capital tomorrow afternoon as they face a tough challenge against Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the 3rd round of the SPFL Trust Trophy.

Following an unbeaten start to the season which has included penalty shootout wins over Hibernian B and Stirling Albion in the previous two rounds of the competition, City will now face a major test against Championship opposition.

However, the reds will go into the tie full of confidence and with nothing to lose against the Caley Jags who currently sit 4th in the Championship, coming off the back of an impressive 3-2 win over Dundee at Dens last weekend.

TEAM NEWS
Manager Andy Kirk is hoping to have a full roster available for tomorrow's trip, although checks will be made on Jamie Bain, Hamish Thomson and Kieran Inglis who were only fit enough to make the bench last Saturday against Jeanfield.

MANAGERS COMMENTS
Looking back at Saturday's 5-1 Scottish Cup victory over Jeanfield Swifts, Manager Andy Kirk commented, "Jeanfield Swifts are a good side and they try and play good football which we knew about. It was away from home in the Scottish Cup and we spoke to the players at length about having the right attitude because we wanted to progress. I thought the performance was really good - there was a spell shortly after our 3rd goal where we dropped off a little bit for 10 minutes or so but other than that I thought we controlled the game from start to finish. We were unfortunate not to have a goal in the first half as by all accounts Anthony McDonald was onside.

"We're getting better week by week and we have players in the team that are quick and combine well with each other. We're starting to build relationships on the park and they are really complimenting each other as well which is exciting. We had some really good bits of play going forward and I'm also pleased with the workrate and pressing their players. That gave us the base to go and play and we've managed to take our chances when they came along. Jordan (Northcott) missed a good chance for us and the keeper had a wonder-save from Grady (McGrath) so there were other good opportunities as well.

"This season there seems a be a real energy about the group and you can see the players all celebrating together after the goals. There is a feel-good factor at the moment and we have to keep that going."


There were a number of excellent individual performances for City, with Anthony McDonald a particular standout with a goal and two assists. Andy added, "Anthony is still nowhere near the fitness levels that he'd like to be but we've got to take it gradually with him. I was really pleased with the way he affected the game - I've known him for years and I know he's capable of that. Once he gets more minutes in his legs we'll see a lot more of that - I have no doubt."

After featuring as a trialist in two league matches, young striker Ryan McInnes made his official debut for the club as a substitute, registering an assist for the 4th goal. Andy said, "It was great for Ryan - he made a good run down the right hand side and showed great awareness to put the ball across the goal for Jordan to finish - I was really pleased with the composure he showed to do that. He's a player with good strength and pace and will get better with us over time."

Attention now turns to the trip to Inverness. Andy said, "We've got nothing to lose. Inverness are a very good side and very nearly got into the Premier League last season. It's going to be a very tough game but we've got a number of young players who have experienced full time football and have aspirations to get back up there again, so tomorrow gives them an idea of what level they need to be at. It's a game we are looking forward to and have no fear - it's a chance to go out there and express ourselves. We'll need to be at our very best to contain them but you never know what can happen - we will go there with confidence as we have been playing well.

ADMISSION INFORMATION
Supporters are reminded that the game is a 2pm kick off. Admission prices tomorrow is £10 for adults, £8 concessions (Over 65's and students) and free for Under 12's (must be accompanied by a paying adult or concession).

City supporters will be housed in sections H and J of the South Stand. Tickets can be purchased online at the ICT TICKETING SITE, or over the phone on 01463 222880. Tickets will be available to purchase at the ticket office at the ground on the day, however supporters are encouraged to purchase in advance.

SUPPORTERS CLUB TRAVEL
Brechin City Supporters' Club are running a coach to the game which will leave St Ninian's Square at 9am. The bus is now fully booked - thank you to everyone for your support and have a safe journey!

MATCH OFFICIALS
Tomorrow's match referee is Barry Cook, assisted by David Doig and Graham Chambers.

PREVIOUS MEETING
Inverness CT 4-0 Brechin City - 3rd April 2018
The sides last met in a Championship fixture back in 2018. The Caley Jags cruised to victory with goals coming from Joe Chalmers (2), Coll Donaldson and George Oakley.