There will be no Valentine’s Day love lost at Dudgeon Park tomorrow as Brechin City make the long journey north for a hugely important Highland League clash with leaders Brora Rangers.
As we start to approach the business end of the season, tomorrow’s fixture marks the first of a crucial double header between the sides, with City set to host the Cattachs next weekend.
City currently sit nine points behind Brora, but with three games in hand City will feel they are capable of clawing back the deficit, particularly if they can record a positive result tomorrow.
City can also take confidence from their recent record in Sutherland, having won all four league meetings at Dudgeon Park. They will be aiming to extend that impressive run and lay down a marker in the title race.
TEAM NEWS
City will continue to be without Kieran Inglis and Paul Watson, whilst on-loan midfielder Ethan Crombie is on international duty with Scotland U17’s. After missing out with a niggle last weekend, Finlay Allan will return whilst recent loan signing Callum Hannah will also be available for selection.
MANAGERS COMMENTS
Following the win against Huntly last weekend, Manager Andy Kirk commented, “I was delighted to get the win and the clean sheet – it’s something to start with as it’s the first league game we’ve had since I came in. I was pleased with a lot of aspects of the game – I thought we were excellent in the first half, we got in some good areas and could possibly had another goal or two with Lenny making a couple of good saves.
“Second half I didn’t think we started as well as the first but it was always going to be that way – Huntly are strong opposition and with Graeme Stewart now in charge I have no doubt that they will continue to improve. I knew they would cause us problems and you always run the risk at 1-0. I was pleased with much of the game but there is still room for improvement as well.
“I want us to try and play a certain way and whilst we’ve had training sessions we’ve not had much in the way of games to put it into practice. I think the more games we have as a group and if we can add one or two more new faces then the improvement will come over time. They worked really hard against Huntly and fought for each other and that was the most pleasing thing for me.
“We were just pleased to get a game – you have to give huge credit to the ground-staff at Huntly for carrying out the work on the pitch to get the game on especially when matches in the surrounding area were postponed.“
Looking ahead to tomorrows vital fixture against Brora Rangers, Andy added, “It will be another competitive game that we will be trying to win. Brora are sitting top of the league for a reason – they are a good side and it will be a tough fixture. We just have to go up there and impose ourselves on the game and see if that’s enough come the final whistle. If we can take 3 points down the road it’ll give us something further to build on.”
ADMISSION INFORMATION
Tomorrow’s match at Dudgeon Park kicks off at 3pm. Admission prices are £12 for adults and £6 for concessions. Extra £2 for the stand. Tickets can also be purchased in advance via Fanbase – PURCHASE TICKETS
The Social Club at the ground will be open with away supporters welcome.
SUPPORTERS TRAVEL
Brechin City Supporters’ Club are running a bus to the game which will leave Glebe Park at 8am. Limited seats remaining. To book your spot, text 07740 856565. Due to the length of trip and increased cost of the bus, the price is a flat rate £20 per person.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Tomorrow’s match referee is Owen Lawrence, assisted by Daniel Jack & Marek Raczko.
LAST TIME OUT
After six weeks without a league fixture due to the weather, City made their return in winning fashion with a deserved 1-0 victory over Huntly at Christie Park. Cillian Sheridan’s winner seven minutes before the break proved to be the difference, but despite the narrow scoreline it was a game in which City controlled throughout.
Brora Rangers meanwhile have had a fruitful week. Steven Mackay’s men recorded a thumping 7-1 victory over Strathspet Thistle last weekend and they were on the goal trail again in midweek as they recorded a 5-1 win over bottom side Rothes at Mackessack Park.
PREVIOUS MEETING
Brora Rangers 0-2 Brechin City – 15 March 2025
City returned to the top of the Highland League with a vital 2–0 win away to Brora Rangers back in March last season which saw Ray McKinnon’s side move three points clear with six games left.
Ewan Loudon scored twice in quick succession midway through the first half – the first a fortunate rebound and the second a well-taken strike from 20 yards to put City into a commanding lead at the break. Brora threatened at times, hitting the post and forcing good saves from Lenny Wilson but City’s defence, led by the returning Euan Spark, held firm to secure a crucial clean sheet and three valuable points.
