City return to Highland League action tomorrow evening with a home clash against Deveronvale at the Carnegie Fuels Stadium at Glebe Park as they look to respond in as positive fashion after Saturday’s narrow cup exit on penalties.
Despite the disappointment of that result, there have been plenty of positives in recent weeks with three straight league wins since Andy Kirk’s return to the dugout, keeping a clean sheet in each of those matches.
Back on home turf, the City squad will be determined to channel the frustration of the weekend into a strong performance under the lights at the Glebe.
Standing in their way is a Deveronvale side who proved earlier in the season that they can be difficult opponents, having held City to a draw in the reverse fixture. Managed by former City player Garry Wood, Vale arrive sitting 13th in the table. Although they come into the match on the back of three consecutive defeats, they will be eager to halt that run and claim a positive result in Brechin.
TEAM NEWS
City will definitely be without the services of Brad McKay who serves the second match of his league suspension. A number of niggles will be assessed following the busy recent schedule but Andy Kirk is likely to have the rest of the squad available for selection including new recruit Scott Fraser.
MANAGERS COMMENTS
Following City’s disappointing cup exit at the weekend, Manager Andy Kirk commented, “I think the game as a whole was pretty poor. For us I think you could see the effects of the last two games and I think we looked a bit slow in some respects. I changed a few players for various reasons and there was some niggles as you could imagine after two games on heavy pitches so we had to careful and freshen things up a bit. We had played with 10 men for 70 minutes against Brora last Saturday and Buckie on Wednesday was a late trip and some of the players were getting home after 2 in the morning.
“I felt the team we had on the pitch was strong but we didn’t create enough – at times we got into good areas of the pitch but we lacked that final ball. First half Turriff’s chances came from set plays and poor defending from us – we just didn’t pick players up.
“Turriff hadn’t played the Saturday or Wednesday so they were obviously fresher and it was a huge game for them. We didn’t kick on after we took the lead and we didn’t create enough chances from open play. Fair play to Turriff as we didn’t do enough to win the game and penalties is a bit of a lottery at times. I was disappointed in general with the performance but the players have had a tough week leading into the game.”
One positive from Saturday was Kieran Inglis making his first appearance since his return as a substitute in the second half. Andy added, “We’ve all had experience of Kinglis before and we know what he is capable of doing. He’ll bring an element of quality to the team – he knows how to keep the ball and build up the play for us. We just need to be careful and keep building on his fitness and once he’s ready he’ll be able to start games.”
Turning his attention to tomorrow’s fixture against Deveronvale, Andy commented, “There’s an element of disappointment from the players after Saturday and they know themselves that they underperformed. We now have a chance to put that right and tomorrow I want to see a team full of energy and running and hopefully that will help us get a result. We want to keep the momentum in the league going. We have a few wee niggles – nothing serious but we have a decent squad so we need everyone to be able and ready to contribute.”
ADMISSION INFORMATION
Tomorrow’s match kicks off at 8pm. Admission prices have been reduced to £10 for adults, £5 concessions (65 & over, students and 16/17 year olds) and FREE 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.
CITY CLUB BAR
The City Club bar at the ground will be open to all supporters from 6:30pm. Please note the bar will not be open following the match.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Tomorrow’s match referee is Jamie McCunnie, assisted by Lewis Burns and Shaun Telford.
LAST TIME OUT
City had a brief break from league action at the weekend as they faced Turriff United in the semi-finals of the R Davidson (Banchory) Highland League Cup. Following a goalless opening 45 minutes, captain Euan Spark headed City in front early in the second half however the hosts equalised through substitute Reece McKeown 8 minutes from time to force a penalty shootout.
City began strongly from the spot as Grady McGrath and Fraser Macleod both converted confidently. However, momentum shifted when Bayley Klimionek saw his penalty saved and Mitch Taylor’s effort sailed over the crossbar. Andy McNeil gave Brechin renewed hope by saving Turriff’s fourth penalty, allowing Kieran Inglis to step up and convert under pressure. Ultimately, though, Turriff held their nerve, scoring the decisive kick to secure a 4–3 shootout victory and a place in the final.
Deveronvale meanwhile had a break on Saturday, with their last fixture coming last Wednesday as they went down to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Formartine United at North Lodge Park. The deadlock was broken 10 minutes after the restart when Aidan McCormack netted for the hosts.
PREVIOUS MEETING
Deveronvale 0-0 Brechin City – 23rd August 2025
City continued their unbeaten start to the season at Royal Princess Park but had to settle for a share of the points following a hard-fought encounter.
After a fairly subdued first half bereft of any real goalmouth action, the game sparked to life 7 minutes after the restart after the hosts were awarded a penalty after former City man Garry Wood was brought down inside the area. Craig Hepburn proved to be the hero however as he made a fine stop to keep out the penalty from MacLellan.
It was hoped that the penalty save would galvanise City, however they were unable to get into any kind of rhythm and the match ultimately finished goalless.
SPONSORSHIP & MASCOT
Tomorrow’s match sponsor is J&J Services whilst the matchball has been sponsored by Chloe, Jake & Bob. Leading out the City team tomorrow evening will be our mascots Deacon & Isla Stewart!
