City return to the Carnegie Fuels Stadium at Glebe Park tomorrow evening for another crucial encounter in the Highland League title race as they take on third-placed Formartine United.
With the season entering a decisive phase, the importance of every point is magnified and City will be eager to make home advantage count against one of their closest challengers.
City go into the game off the back of a hard-earned 1-0 victory away to Wick Academy last weekend to make it three successive wins. Confidence will be high within the squad, but they face a Formartine side still dangerous despite seeing their own title aspirations dented in the last week. Having already defeated City earlier in the campaign with ten men, the Pitmedden side have proven they can pose a serious threat.
TEAM NEWS
After missing out at the weekend, Bayley Klimionek and Mitchell Findlay will return to the squad whilst Ethan Crombie will also be available after missing the last couple of matches due to his involvement with Scotland U17’s. Despite taking a knock against Wick Academy, Adam Hutchinson is likely to be fit however Mitch Taylor is a doubt.
MANAGERS COMMENTS
Reflecting on the 1-0 win over Wick Academy at the weekend, Manager Andy Kirk commented, “If somebody said to me before the game that we wouldn’t play well but win 1-0 then you’d take that every week. There were a lot of factors involved on Saturday – the pitch was really poor and we also need to take into account the distance we are travelling. We didn’t start well and looked a bit leggy but it was one of those games where if a chance came along you have to take it.
“We had a good chance through Grady in the first half where he should score and he also hit the bar in the second half too but other than that we didn’t create an awful lot. The goal highlighted the importance of chasing things down – if Mitch gives up on that then we don’t score the goal and we only come away with a point which wouldn’t have been good enough.
“Wick didn’t have much in the way of chances either to be honest. We were disappointed in how we played overall but just delighted to come back down the road with a win and clean sheet.“
Attention now turns to a crucial fixture against Formartine United tomorrow evening with Andy adding, “Regardless of who we play and what position they are in the league, everyone is desperate to beat us and that’s the challenge that we face. It’s something that we have to live with if we want to be successful come the end of the season. We’re expecting a hard game tomorrow against a very experienced team who have the likes of Rory McAllister but if we can get our principles right then we’ll give ourselves a great chance of getting a result.”
ADMISSION INFORMATION
Tomorrow’s match kicks off at 8pm. Admission prices are £12 for adults, £8 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.
All Under 16’s, in addition to getting into the game free of charge, can also head to the City Club at half-time for a free pie!
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 Scott Donohoe, assisted by Lewis Burns and Vikki Robertson.
LAST TIME OUT
City emerged victorious from their long journey to Wick at the weekend as they ground out a 1-0 win against the Scorries. Following a goalless first half, City broke the deadlock just two minutes into the second period when Mitch Taylor took advantage of a slip from home goalkeeper Lewis Gallacher to tap into an empty net for what proved to be the winner.
Meanwhile, Formartine’s title hopes were dealt a blow as they were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Huntly at the weekend, which had followed a narrow 1-0 defeat against Buckie Thistle last midweek.
PREVIOUS MEETING
Formartine United 3-1 Brechin City | 6th September 2025
Despite making a strong start, City ended up suffering their first league defeat of the season against Formartine back in September. With just 46 seconds on the clock, City were awarded a penalty with Rhys Thomas also sent off for the hosts for denying a goalscoring opportunity. Grady McGrath converted the spot kick to put City ahead.
Brechin played nearly the entire match with a numerical edge. However, rather than capitalising, their performance dropped off and they struggled to control the game.
Formartine responded impressively despite being a man down, showing a greater attacking threat. They turned the game around before half-time with Hamish Ritchie netting the equaliser, before former City man Rory McAllister added a brace.
SPONSORSHIP & MASCOT
Tomorrow’s match sponsor is Lee Earnshaw whilst the match ball has been sponsored by Lennie Johnson. Leading out the City side will be our mascot Fanciszek Lisewski!
Preview by Steven Mew
