Following a high-scoring draw against East Stirlingshire in midweek, City are back on the road tomorrow afternoon as we make the trip to face Bonnyrigg Rose at New Dundas Park.
City will be looking to respond after surrendering a 3-1 lead on Wednesday evening and cut out the defensive lapses that cost them dear but also build on some of the positive attacking play which saw them net 3 times but could have easily been far more.
They will come up against a Bonnyrigg side that are managed by former City man Jonny Stewart and Andy Kirk will be acutely aware his depleted outfit will need to be at their best against a side that is widely tipped to be challenging for the title come the end of the season.
TEAM NEWS
City will continue to be without the services of Spencer Moreland, Kieran Inglis, Kyle Bell, Adam Hutchinson and Corey Kirk but captain Euan Spark will be assessed ahead of the game after missing the last two matches with an ankle problem.
MANAGERS COMMENTS
Commenting on City’s Lowland League East opener against East Stirlingshire in midweek, Manager Andy Kirk commented, “It was a tough game and East Stirling were quick out the box and played some decent stuff at times – it was an eye opener for us for the first game. I was really disappointed in the way we conceded the goals – that was the main thing for me. We didn’t play particularly well but we need to give the players some leeway given the disruption over the last few weeks with injuries and the number of players coming in. The players are still learning each other.
“The first goal was a really poor decision from Brad but we had a good spell after we scored the equaliser where we applied some pressure but overall it was a bit scrappy. We manage to get ourselves 3-1 ahead and then we have a hell of a chance to extend the lead further which we should take and had an even better opportunity to make it 4-2 after we conceded the goal. These are critical moments because it gives the opposition belief that they can get back into it and the momentum just changed completely.
“The second goal we concede I don’t think Kyle needs to parry it but we don’t switch on to the second ball. For the 3rd goal we concede a silly free kick and there were a lot of bodies in there but again it should have been dealt with. It feels we are being punished for every mistake at the moment.
“We will improve and we’ll try to bring in one or two other players if we possibly can and we’ll obviously have players to come back – it’s just a case of how long before they return.”
Turning his attention to tomorrow’s clash against Bonnyrigg Rose, Andy said, “It’s a game that we are capable of winning and the players will be relishing the challenge. We know Bonnyrigg are a strong team with good experience in the group and they’ve been in the Lowland League for a number of years. We are limited with injuries but I know the players that we put out will give us everything and hopefully we can come away with a result.”
MATCH OFFICIALS
Tomorrow’s match referee is John Fairley, assisted by Douglas Harvey and Niamh Westwood.
ADMISSION INFORMATION
Tomorrow’s match at New Dundas Park kicks off at 3pm. Admission prices are £12 for adults, £8 for concessions and £5 for youths (12-16 years old). U12’s go free with a paying adult. Cash and card are accepted at the turnstiles.
SUPPORTERS TRAVEL
Brechin City Supporters’ Club are running a bus to the game which will leave Glebe Park at 11am. Pick ups are available in Forfar and Dundee enroute. Prices are £15 members / £20 non-members / £15 U16’s. To book, text 07740 856565 or e-mail dwalker@brechincity.com
LAST TIME OUT
Both sides were in midweek action as City opened up their league campaign with a pulsating 3-3 draw against East Stirlingshire at Ochilview. Ben Lamont opened the scoring for the hosts but goals from Lewis Martin, Dale Hilson and Fraser Macleod had City ahead with just over a quarter of an hour remaining. However, the Shire fought back with late goals from Tony Coutts and Alexander Walker to earn a point.
Bonnyrigg meanwhile have already played twice in the league and have started strongly with a 3-0 win on the road against Musselburgh last weekend, followed up with another convincing 4-0 win away from home against Bo’ness United on Tuesday evening which sent them to the top of the league.
PREVIOUS MEETING
Bonnyrigg Rose 0-6 Brechin City | Scottish Cup 3rd Round | 10th November 2012
City supporters would undoubtedly welcome a repeat of the last meeting between the sides at New Dundas Park, when City produced a devastating display to record a 6-0 victory over Bonnyrigg in a Scottish Cup Third Round replay.
Having fought back from two goals down to earn a replay after drawing the original tie, City showed their quality to progress to the next round. Kurtis Byrne opened the scoring before Jonny Brown and a brace from Alan Trouten helped Ray McKinnon’s side race into a remarkable 4-0 lead inside the opening 33 minutes.
There was no let-up after the interval as Andy Jackson and Derek Carcary added further goals to complete a memorable afternoon and secure City’s place in the next round against St Mirren.
