Following a gruelling 120 minute shift in tough conditions at the weekend, City are back in action tomorrow evening as we play host to East Stirlingshire in the Lowland League East.
The match predictably took its toll on the Glebe Park surface and following further rain over the course of today, tomorrow’s fixture will be subject to a precautionary 12 noon pitch inspection.
City are due to come up against an East Stirlingshire side that held Andy Kirk’s side to a draw on the opening day of the season at Ochilview. Managed by former City player Callum Tapping, Shire currently sit 10th in the Lowland League and arrive in Angus looking to end a run of six matches without a victory.
TEAM NEWS
City will welcome back Brad Rodden having been cup tied for Saturday’s Scottish Cup fixture against Strathspey whilst Brad McKay is also likely to return having missed out at the weekend through illness. Lewis Martin is nearing a return but Kyle Bell will miss out with an ankle injury sustained in extra time. Kieran Inglis and Adam Hutchinson continue to miss out.
MANAGERS COMMENTS
Reflecting on an eventful cup tie against Strathspey Thistle on Saturday, Manager Andy Kirk commented, “When I spoke to the players after the game their lips were purple – having to play in those conditions whilst also standing through a penalty shootout was not easy. It was another one of those performances where we did well at times and looked like we were starting to get into a rhythm but the two goals we concede were very poor.
“I don’t think it was a free kick for the first goal and we weren’t set up right for the set piece, Sparky falls and heads it into the ground and over Kyle, it was just a calamity. We managed to get ourselves back into the game with the penalty and we then got into some good situations but the final execution was poor.
“We then gave ourselves a mountain to climb again with conceding the second goal which again was really disappointing from our perspective. We got ourselves back into it again with the equaliser and then we miss a sitter a few minutes later to make it 3-2.
“We made it more difficult for ourselves than what it needed to be but credit to the players who kept going to the end and the standard of the penalties were good again. Strathspey are a decent side and stronger than the one we came up against in the Highland League – they’ve signed a lot of experienced players. The main thing is that we got through to the next round.“
City have drawn fellow Lowland League East side Bo’ness United in the 3rd round with Andy adding, “I think it’s a fairly good draw for us and we have a chance to progress – we will never play as bad as we did down there last week in the league. It was probably the worst performance we’ve put in whilst I’ve been at the Club so hopefully we can make amends.“
Looking ahead to tomorrow night, Andy commented, “It’s going to be another tough game and hopefully the weather holds up for us. We’ll hopefully have a few players back for this one which will freshen things up.“
ADMISSION INFORMATION
Tomorrow’s match kicks off at 7:45pm, subject to a pitch inspection at 12 noon. Admission prices are £12 for adults, £8 concessions (Aged 65+, students and 16/17 year olds) and £5 for U16’s. Season tickets are valid. 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 but will be closed following the match.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Tomorrow’s match referee is Lewis Bell, assisted by Joshua McCallum and Ivan Nsimbi.
PREVIOUS MEETING
East Stirlingshire 3-3 Brechin City | Lowland League East | 29th July 2026
Brechin City opened their Lowland League campaign with an entertaining 3-3 draw against East Stirlingshire at Ochilview at the tail end of July. After falling behind just before the half hour mark, Lewis Martin levelled before half-time and City survived a period of pressure early in the second half before Dale Hilson and Fraser MacLeod put City 3-1 ahead midway through the second half.
However, Andy Kirk’s men were unable to hold on for all three points as East Stirlingshire fought back with two late goals from Tony Coutts and Alex Walker to secure a share of the spoils.
LAST TIME OUT
City progressed to the 3rd round of the Scottish Cup on Saturday as they draw 2-2 with Strathspey Thistle before prevailing 6-5 on penalties. An own goal from Euan Spark put the Jags in front within the opening minute but Curtis Main equalised from the spot 7 minutes later. A defensive lapse allowed Josh Race to put the visitors back in front before the break however a goal direct from a corner by Corey Kirk restored parity. That’s the way it stayed for the remainder of the 90 minutes and extra time, before City kept their nerve during the penalty shootout to progress.
East Stirlingshire meanwhile had the weekend off – their last fixture came against Civil Service Strollers on October 17th as they fought back from 3-0 down to earn a 3-3 draw. The Edinburgh side were 3 goals to the good after just half an hour but a goal from Kalvin Bennet and a brace from Tony Coutts snatched a point against Strollers who finished the game with 9 men.
Preview by Steven Mew
