Competitive action gets underway for City tomorrow afternoon as Andy Kirk’s side travel to Firhill to face Partick Thistle in their opening fixture of the 2026/27 Premier Sports Cup campaign.
It marks a stern first test for the City squad against Championship opposition. The Jags, managed by former City boss Mark Wilson, came within touching distance of a return to the Premiership last season before suffering disappointment in the promotion play-offs.
TEAM NEWS
Following a busy eve of the Premier Sports Cup campaign, City’s squad will be boosted by new signings Adam Meek, Greig Young, Corey Kirk, Darren Watson, Michael McQueen and Dale Hilson. Adam Hutchinson is a doubt with a hamstring problem but Manager Andy Kirk should have everyone else available for selection.
MANAGERS COMMENTS
Reflecting on the last few weeks, Manager Andy Kirk commented, “Pre-season always has its challenges in terms of getting players in, getting the squad together and getting fitness levels up. Overall I think our pre-season has been pretty positive for us. We’ve had 3 games with different levels of opposition – St Andrews United at home was a good one to start where we played some nice football and the Dundee game in particular against Dundee was really positive.
“The beauty of pre-season is being able to have a look at everyone including trialists and some members of our under 20 squad and what might work for us. I think the players we have brought in have settled really well and there are a number of trialists that we have been impressed with and since signed. The Under 20 players have also come in and held their own at times and it’s good to create that pathway that was perhaps missing previously.
Looking ahead to the trip to face Partick tomorrow, Andy added, “Tomorrow will be a really tough game. Whilst I was with Raith Rovers we played Partick a couple of times last season and they are a really good side that are well coached. They have a lot of good individual players with plenty of speed and experience in their team. It will be a real challenge for us but we showed on Wednesday night against Dundee that we can hold our own.
“These teams will make you work and it’s good practice for us – if we can have a good structure and be disciplined it can give us a bit of confidence going into the league season.“
ADMISSION INFORMATION
Tomorrow’s match at the Wyre Stadium at Firhill kicks off at 3pm. Admission prices are £15 for adults, £10 for concessions (over 65’s and students) and £5 for U16’s. Tickets should be purchased via Fanbase – BUY TICKETS
City supporters will enter via turnstiles 40 & 41 in the Jackie Husband stand. For those unable to purchase tickets online, tickets can be purchased at the ticket office near the turnstiles from 2pm.
SUPPORTERS TRAVEL
Brechin City Supporters’ Club are a bus to the game which will leave Glebe Park at 10:30am. Pickups are available atg the McDonald’s underpass at Forfar and Morrison’s in Dundee. Prices are £15 for adult members, £20 adult non-members and £15 for U16’s.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Tomorrow’s match referee is Steven McLean, assisted by Graeme Stewart and Victoria Kane.
PREVIOUS MEETING
Brechin City 0-0 Partick Thistle (1-3 on pens) – 9 August 2005
Tomorrow’s meeting will be the first fixture between the sides for over 21 years. Managed by former City boss Dick Campbell, Thistle travelled to Glebe Park for a League Cup tie back in 2005 which ended in a goalless draw, largely due to the heroics of Craig Nelson in the City goal. Following an uneventful extra time, the visitors ultimately went through 3-1 on penalties.
