City return to Scottish Cup action tomorrow afternoon as we welcome Strathspey Thistle to the Carnegie Fuels Stadium at Glebe Park in the Scottish Cup Second Round.
Andy Kirk’s side will be looking to bounce back immediately following last weekend’s disappointing 3-1 defeat away to Bo’ness United, with City aiming to put that result behind them and book their place in the next round of the competition.
There will be a sense of familiarity when the two sides meet once again, with City having faced Strathspey regularly during our Highland League days. However, tomorrow’s visitors arrive as a very different proposition having invested heavily in their squad over the summer and made a strong start to this season with the Jags currently sitting eighth in the Highland League table.
TEAM NEWS
City will hope to welcome Kyle Bell back into the squad having missed the last 3 months through injury, whilst Mitch Taylor will undergo a late fitness test after missing last weekend. City will continue to be without the injured Kieran Inglis, Adam Hutchinson and Lewis Martin whilst Brad Rodden is cup tied.
MANAGERS COMMENTS
Reflecting on the defeat against Bo’ness United last weekend, Manager Andy Kirk commented, “We’ve done the analysis on last week and watched it back with the players – there were so many things wrong with the performance. It was just a bad day at the office for everyone. We didn’t get close to their players, we were poor on the ball and we didn’t run enough.
“We’ve started well in the last few games and got ourselves in front early on and you think lets kick on a bit but for one reason or another we start getting a little too deep and start inviting pressure. Saturday was an eye opener for me and the players are an honest group who work hard and I think last week was just one of those days where nothing worked for us and we got what we deserved out of it. We know what the issues are and what the players need to be doing better and it’s to them to try and fix that.”
Captain Euan Spark returned from injury as a substitute last week with Andy adding, “Sparky brings personality, aggression and a leadership to the team and we’ve been a little bit disjointed with the number of the injuries and constant changes to the team because of this. It seems like we get someone back and then we lose one or two.”
Looking ahead to the Scottish Cup clash against Strathspey Thistle tomorrow, he said, “Strathspey are a totally different team from the one that we have faced in the Highland League previously. They’ve invested in the squad and have improved greatly – you can see that from their results and their position in the table.
“Progression in the Scottish Cup is massive for us and it’s the same for every club. We’re desperate to get ourselves through into the next round and we need to see a reaction from last week as it was a shadow of the team that I want us to look like and what the players want to produce. We have a chance tomorrow to put things right.“
ADMISSION INFORMATION
Tomorrow’s match kicks off at 3pm. Admission prices are £12 for adults, £8 concessions (Aged 65+, students and 16/17 year olds) and £5 for U16’s. Please note due to this fixture being a cup game, season tickets are not 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 1:30pm and again following the match.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Tomorrow’s match referee is Regan Wallace, assisted by Jordan Reid & Summer Mo.
LAST TIME OUT
Despite taking an early lead through Curtis Main, City slipped to a 3-1 defeat against Bo’ness United at Newtown Park last Saturday. Andy Kirk’s men were 1-0 up at the break but second half strikes from Jack Hodge, Roan Fitzpatrick and Jamie Allan earned a deserved win for the home side.
Meanwhile, Strathspey played out a 2-2 draw against Lossiemouth at Seafield Park last time out. A 10th minute strike from Robbie Thompson put the Jags in front but goals from Dean Stewart and Liam Harvey had turned the game on it’s head. Strathspey fought back with Daniel Whitehorn salvaging a point 6 minutes from time.
PREVIOUS MEETING
Strathspey Thistle 1-0 Brechin City | 13th December 2025
City slumped to their first ever defeat against Strathspey Thistle the last time the sides met as Shaun Morrison’s 34th minute goal proved to be the difference at Seafield Park.
SPONSORSHIP
Our match sponsor tomorrow is James Lammond Ltd whilst the matchball has been sponsored by 2011 Brechin Community Club boys. Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy your afternoon!
Preview by Steven Mew
