Brechin City will hope to return to competitive action tomorrow afternoon as we welcome Nairn County to the Carnegie Fuels Stadium at Glebe Park in the 2nd round of the R Davidson Highland League Cup.
After a prolonged winter break enforced by the weather, both sides will be eager to shake off nearly four weeks of inactivity.
Wet conditions across the area in recent days have again tested patience, but there is hope that the Glebe Park surface will stand up and allow the match to take place.
That will be especially welcome for City, with the tie marking Andy Kirk’s first match back in the dugout since returning as Manager.
The winner of the tie will travel to face Turriff United in the semi-finals of the competition as both sides look to hit the ground running following the enforced lay-off.
TEAM NEWS
Having been out of competitive action for the last month, City don’t have any injury concerns ahead of tomorrow’s match. Mitch Taylor is now back training having recovered from a broken toe whilst Mitchell Findlay is also set to be part of the squad.
MANAGERS COMMENTS
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s game, Manager Andy Kirk commented, “I’ve settled back into the role well and it’s been good apart from having no games! To be fair it has worked out in that I’ve had a bit more time with the players and getting to know their personalities and the strengths and weaknesses that they have. They have all trained really well but it’s difficult because seeing the players in a competitive game shows different things than what training does.
“I know some of the players obviously from my last spell – the likes of Euan Spark, Spencer Moreland, Fraser Macleod and Grady McGrath. There has been a large turnover of players since I was last here but that’s to be expected at this level.
“I’ve got my own ideas as to how I would like us to play and the players I want to bring in but it will take a bit of time to identify them and make the team a bit stronger. There are definitely areas where we could add a bit more depth but we have a squad here and I’m keen to let them show what they can do. We are looking to bring in at least 2 or 3 players to give us a bit more help moving towards the end of the season.
“Tomorrow is my first game since coming back – I don’t care if it’s a league game or a cup game we will go out there looking to win the game. Nairn will provide strong competition and they will be keen to progress.”
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. Please note season tickets are not valid for this fixture. Digital tickets should be purchased at the following link – PURCHASE TICKETS
Please note that tickets purchased for the original postponed fixture are valid.
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 1:15pm and again following the match.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Tomorrow’s match referee is Jamie McCunnie, assisted by Robin Taylor & Lewis Burns.
LAST TIME OUT
Due to the weather, both sides have been in cold storage since 27th December where City played out a 1-1 draw with Banks O’ Dee at the Carnegie Fuels Stadium, whilst Nairn County were 2-1 winners over Huntly at Christie Park.
PREVIOUS MEETING
Brechin City 3-0 Nairn County – 5th April 2025
The meeting between the sides at the start of last month was unfortunately abandoned at half time following the tragic passing of Nairn County supporter Peter Gow.
The prior meeting between the sides saw City record a comfortable victory over Nairn County in the penultimate league fixture of last season to ensure the Highland League Championship went down to the final day. Brad McKay opened the scoring on the half hour mark to put City ahead, before a Cillian Sheridan double just before the break more or less had the game sewn up by half time. City pushed for more goals in the second half, but they were unable to add to their tally.
SPONSORSHIP & MASCOT
Tomorrow’s match sponsor is Jock Shand, whilst the matchball has been sponsored by Bryan Pithie & Neil Elder. Leading out the City team tomorrow will be our mascots Arthur & Jaxon Smith!
