City are set to return to the Carnegie Fuels Stadium at Glebe Park tomorrow afternoon for the first time in eight weeks, as we host Highland League leaders Brora Rangers in a fixture that could have a major bearing on the title race.
After the disappointment of last weekend’s postponement at Dudgeon Park, both sides will now get another bite at the cherry in what promises to be a fiercely contested clash.
City currently sit nine points behind Brora in the league table, but with three games in hand there remains real belief that the gap can be closed.
TEAM NEWS
After missing out with a niggle against Huntly a fortnight ago, Finlay Allan will return whilst recent loan signing Callum Hannah will also be available for selection. City will continue to be without Kieran Inglis, Paul Watson and Ethan Crombie.
MANAGERS COMMENTS
Following the win against Huntly a fortnight ago, Manager Andy Kirk commented, “I was delighted to get the win and the clean sheet – it’s something to start with as it’s the first league game we’ve had since I came in. I was pleased with a lot of aspects of the game – I thought we were excellent in the first half, we got in some good areas and could possibly had another goal or two with Lenny making a couple of good saves.
“Second half I didn’t think we started as well as the first but it was always going to be that way – Huntly are strong opposition and with Graeme Stewart now in charge I have no doubt that they will continue to improve. I knew they would cause us problems and you always run the risk at 1-0. I was pleased with much of the game but there is still room for improvement as well.
“I want us to try and play a certain way and whilst we’ve had training sessions we’ve not had much in the way of games to put it into practice. I think the more games we have as a group and if we can add one or two more new faces then the improvement will come over time. They worked really hard against Huntly and fought for each other and that was the most pleasing thing for me.
“We were just pleased to get a game – you have to give huge credit to the ground-staff at Huntly for carrying out the work on the pitch to get the game on especially when matches in the surrounding area were postponed.“
Looking ahead to tomorrows vital fixture against Brora Rangers, Andy added, “It’s going to be another highly competitive match and one we’re determined to win. Brora are top of the league for a reason – they’re a strong side and it’ll be a difficult test. We need to go out there, assert ourselves, and see where that leaves us at the final whistle. If we can come away with all three points, it’ll give us a solid platform to build on.”
ADMISSION INFORMATION
Tomorrow’s match kicks off at 3pm. Admission prices are £12 for adults, £8 concessions (65 & over, students and 16/17 year olds) and £5 for U16’s. Season tickets valid for this fixture. Digital tickets should be purchased at the following link – PURCHASE TICKETS
A cash/card gate will be available however supporters are advised to purchase their tickets in advance on fanbase.
A reminder that the Club, in conjunction with Brechin Community Football Trust will be collecting donations of non-perishable food outside the ground prior to the game to support local families – all donations gratefully received.
CITY CLUB BAR
The City Club bar at the ground will be open to all supporters from 1:30pm and again following the match.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Tomorrow’s match referee is Robert Bowie, assisted by Ben Stewart and Ross Alexander.
LAST TIME OUT
After a six-week absence from league action due to the weather, City marked their return with a hard-earned and fully merited 1–0 victory over Huntly at Christie Park. Cillian Sheridan’s strike seven minutes before the interval ultimately separated the sides, and while the margin was slender, City were in control for the vast majority of the contest and thoroughly deserved the three points.
Brora Rangers meanwhile were on the goal trail last midweek as they recorded a 5-1 win over bottom side Rothes at Mackessack Park.
PREVIOUS MEETING
Brora Rangers 0-2 Brechin City – 15 March 2025
City surged back to the summit of the Highland League with a crucial 2–0 victory away to Brora Rangers in March last season, as Ray McKinnon’s side moved three points clear at the top with just six matches remaining.
Ewan Loudon struck twice in quick succession midway through the first half – the opener coming via a fortunate rebound before he added a superbly taken effort from 20 yards to hand City a commanding advantage by the interval.
Brora responded after the break, rattling the post and drawing a series of impressive saves from Lenny Wilson, but City’s back line, marshalled superbly by the returning Euan Spark, stood resolute to preserve an invaluable clean sheet and secure three important points.
SPONSORSHIP & MASCOT
Tomorrow’s match sponsor is J&M Mackie Ltd whilst the matchball has been sponsored by Brechin Bowling Club. Leading out the City team will be our mascots Arthur & Jaxon Smith!
