Match Preview | Bo’ness United v Brechin City

October 16, 2026

City are back in league action for the first time in 3 weeks as we make our first ever journey to face Bo’ness United at Newtown Park tomorrow afternoon.

Andy Kirks’ side head into the game having had a free weekend last Saturday following a penalty shootout victory over Buckie Thistle the previous week.

TEAM NEWS

City will welcome back Dale Hilson and Ryan Blair from injury whilst Captain Euan Spark may be able to feature in the matchday squad following a lengthy layoff. Bradley Rodden will be available having been cup-tied for the Scottish Cup fixture against Buckie Thistle a fortnight ago. After making his return from injury in that game, Spencer Moreland has come through unscathed and will be again be available.

Lewis Martin sustained a knee injury in the lead up to the opening goal against Buckie Thistle whilst Mitch Taylor is also likely to miss out with a slight strain and won’t be risked – they will join Adam Hutchinson, Kyle Bell and Kieran Inglis on the sidelines.

MANAGERS COMMENTS

Looking back at the Scottish Cup tie against Buckie Thistle a fortnight ago, Andy commented, “We started the game pretty well and we were on the front foot. We managed to get an early goal and we thought this could develop into one of our better performances but we dropped off again and conceded an equaliser. We managed to get ourselves back in front before half time but we shot ourselves in the foot again early in the second half. The game was a lot of more difficult than what it should have been in my opinion but the players are trying their best to do things properly but are just letting themselves down a bit at times. We ended up getting through which is the main thing.“

Curtis Main netted a double to help City progress with Andy adding, “Curtis has been great and he’s brought a good energy and enthusiasm to the team. He’s obviously got a lot of experience and will be able to help the group. When you bring in a striker you obviously want them to hit the ground running and he’s managed to get 3 goals in 2 games and his penalty in the shootout was top class as well. We’re really pleased with what he’s done so far and he’s still got a bit to go in terms of match fitness as well so that’s exciting that we still have more to come from him.“

Spencer Moreland made his return from injury, playing the full 30 minutes of extra time. Andy said, “The plan was to use Spenny for a short while if we needed to. In an ideal situation we would have been winning the game and bring him on with a little bit of time to go just to get him back on the pitch but the way things were we needed to get one more player on before the end of the 90 minutes so we could use another one in extra time. He came on and played 30 minutes and I thought he done great considering the time he’s been out and we’re delighted to have him back as he’ll improve us. We just need to ensure that we manage his load and look after him.”

Commenting on the 2nd round draw he said, “A home tie was the most important thing for us but Strathspey are a totally different team from the one that we have faced in the Highland League previously. They’ve invested in the squad and have improved greatly – you can see that from their results and their position in the table.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s league fixture against Bo’ness United, Andy added, “We need to focus on our own strengths and what we can do. If all of our players perform to what they are capable of then we will have a brilliant chance of winning the game. It’s obviously a new ground and it’s a large astroturf pitch. The boys have trained well in the last couple of weeks and hopefully we will be raring to go for tomorrow.”

MATCH OFFICIALS

Tomorrow’s match referee is Stuart Christie, assisted by Ellis Walls and Blair White.

ADMISSION INFORMATION

Tomorrow’s match at Newtown Park kicks off at 3pm. Admission prices are £12 for adults, £8 for concessions and free for U16’s. Cash gate only.

SUPPORTERS TRAVEL

Brechin City Supporters’ Club are running a bus to the game which will leave Glebe Park at 11:15am. The bus is now fully booked – thank you for your fantastic support!

LAST TIME OUT

City were last in action a fortnight ago as they drew 2-2 against Highland League outfit Buckie Thistle in the 1st round of the Scottish Cup before emerging victorious 4-2 on penalties. Curtis Main had put City ahead early on, only for Marcus Goodall to equalise for the visitors midway through the half. Main restored City’s lead on the stroke of half time, however Innes McKay headed home shortly into the second half to put Buckie level again.

That’s the way it stayed throughout the remainder of the 90 minutes and extra time before heading to penalties with City keeping their cool from the spot to win 4-2 in the shootout. Curtis Main, Greig Young, Darren Watson and Fraser Macleod all converted whilst Adam Meek saved from Ryan Fyffe to seal victory.

Bo’ness United meanwhile were in South Challenge Cup action last weekend as they recorded a 4-0 victory away from home against Crossgates Primrose. This followed a 3-2 victory in the Scottish Cup 1st round the previous week as they ran out 3-2 winners over Irvine Meadow.