Brechin City travel north to Bellslea Park tomorrow looking to extend their impressive run of form and make it five consecutive league victories in the Highland League, but they face a stern test against Fraserburgh.
Bellslea hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for City since coming into the Highland League, having failed to register a win in their previous 4 attempts. Andy Kirk’s side will undoubtedly be keen to get the ‘monkey off the back’ tomorrow afternoon.
The Broch remain firmly in the mix near the top end of the table. While they may currently sit just outside the leading pack, they will still harbour ambitions of mounting a late push for the title.
TEAM NEWS
City will welcome Brad McKay back from suspension, whilst Fraser Macleod will be available despite coming off with a head injury in midweek. Late checks will be made on Lewis Martin, Ben Armour and Cillian Sheridan who missed the victory over Deveronvale.
MANAGERS COMMENTS
Speaking on the 3-0 win over Deveronvale in midweek, Manager Andy Kirk commented, “In the first half we were trying to find a way of playing from the back but their defensive line was quite high. We spoke at half time about putting the ball in behind and every time we did that we caused some problems. There was a bit of indecision first half but there were still some decent moments and we just needed to lift the tempo and be more efficient. We hadn’t done enough to open them up and we left ourselves open at the back as well a couple of times through poor decisions.
“We changed the shape a little bit and the second half was much better. We brought Mitchell Findlay and he got us the all important breakthrough – it was great technique for the goal. He’s had a couple of niggles of late and he’s not managed to train all the time or had many games for me to see him. I’m hoping there’s a lot more to come from him and I’m excited to see how he builds on that.
“The main thing is that we got the 3 points but the more clean sheets we can keep and less goals we concede, the better chance we’ll have of winning games. It’s a collective effort all over the field including the players at the front end of the pitch.“
Youngster Ross Milne made his first league start of the season whilst new signing Scott Fraser made his debut. Andy added, “I thought Ross was excellent in the second half and think the change of shape may have helped him a bit. I’m pleased for him because he’s shown a really good attitude since I’ve come in and he works really hard for the team.
“Obviously Scott has played at a higher level but he’s not played many games recently so he just needs a run of games and he looked a lot more comfortable in the second half and he gives us that experience and calmness in the middle of the pitch. He’ll quickly learn that this league isn’t easy to play in and you’re put under a lot of pressure so if you’re not quite at it you can be in trouble. I’m sure he’ll be a big player for us.“
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s trip to the Broch, he added, “Fraserburgh are always a tough team to play against – I know that from my first spell in charge at the Club. They can be quite direct and always cause a lot of problems. They’ve got good players and a decent Manager who has them organised well. If we can go up there and put in a good performance then I’m sure we will cause them some problems as well. It’ll be an interesting game and it’s one we want to go up there and win.”
ADMISSION INFORMATION
Tomorrow’s match at Bellslea Park kicks off at 3pm. Admission prices are £12 for adults and £6 for concessions.
SUPPORTERS TRAVEL
Brechin City Supporters’ Club are running a bus to the game which will leave Glebe Park at 11:15am. Please note the bus is now FULL – thank you for your fantastic support once again.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Tomorrow’s match referee is Euan Birch, assisted by Graeme Jack & John Milne.
LAST TIME OUT
Despite a goalless first half, City went on to run out 3-0 winners over Deveronvale in midweek. Second half goals from Mitchell Findlay, Spencer Moreland and Grady McGrath earned the win.
The Broch meanwhile were last in action a fortnight ago, as they went down to a 2-1 defeat at home to an in-form Keith side. Fraser Mackie’s goal just after the hour had cancelled out Zak To’s opener for the visitors, however it was the Maroons who grabbed the winner through Barron in stoppage time.
PREVIOUS MEETING
Brechin City 0-1 Fraserburgh – 4 October 2025
City slipped to a narrow defeat against the Broch in the last meeting between the sides in October. The result meant Brechin missed the opportunity to go top of the league, while Fraserburgh instead moved to the summit. The game was played in difficult, blustery conditions and was the only fixture in the division that survived the weather that day.
Despite early pressure from City, the visitors took the lead in the 16th minute when a corner from Scott Barbour led to an own goal, with Dugald Farquhar accidentally heading the ball past Craig Hepburn.
Brechin’s hopes were further damaged in the 62nd minute when striker Cillian Sheridan was sent off for dissent and although Ray McKinnon’s side continued to battle in search of an equaliser, the Broch also looked equally capable of double their advantage on the break.
