Ten man City reignited their title charge with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over league leaders Brora Rangers at the Carnegie Fuels Stadium at Glebe Park yesterday afternoon.

With a numerical disadvantage for more than 70 minutes following Brad McKay’s early dismissal, Andy Kirk’s side produced a display of resilience, discipline and sheer determination to secure three invaluable points that breathe fresh life into their title hopes.

Kirk made one change from the last outing at Huntly - Grady McGrath dropped to the bench whilst handing a debut to Callum Hannah at left wing-back and the youngster made an immediate impression.

City flew out of the traps. After just two minutes, Hannah’s driven cross was diverted into the path of Cillian Sheridan, whose improvised backheel was well blocked by visiting goalkeeper Cammy Mackay. Two minutes later, Sheridan again was at the heart of the action, winning possession before teeing up Spencer Moreland who dragged a left-footed effort wide.

The early pressure continued. On 10 minutes, Mitch Taylor burst in behind the Brora backline and fizzed a dangerous ball across the face of goal that just evaded Sheridan.

City’s fast start was rewarded on 14 minutes. Taylor was fouled out on the left and Fraser Macleod delivered a superb free-kick into the box. CILLIAN SHERIDAN rose highest to guide a header beyond Mackay and into the net.

Brora began to respond with Tony Dingwall firing over from range on 18 minutes but the contest dramatically shifted three minutes later. Brad McKay was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Shane Sutherland — a decision that sparked frustration among the home players and support, with the referee deeming the tackle reckless. Suddenly, with nearly 70 minutes still to play, City faced a monumental task.

The league leaders pressed for an equaliser. On 32 minutes, Adam Hutchinson produced a superb recovery block to deny Sutherland. Moments later, a corner found visiting skipper Michael Finnis at the back post, but Aidan Wilson inadvertently got in the way and the chance went begging.

City still looked for opportunities on the break, with Moreland slicing wide from distance on 38 minutes, but Brora continued to have much of the ball and chances. Andy McNeil was called into action twice in quick succession - first tipping over a swerving strike from Alex Cooper on 41 minutes, then producing an outstanding save to deny Sutherland’s header three minutes later.

There was further controversy just before the break when Shae Keogh appeared to grab Sheridan by the neck. Both players were booked, with many inside the ground feeling the Brora man was fortunate to avoid harsher punishment.

The second half was a test of endurance for City on a heavy surface. Clear-cut chances were scarce, but the visitors continued to probe.

James Wallace’s long-range effort was parried by McNeil on 50 minutes, and Dingwall volleyed over three minutes later after a partial clearance fell his way.

City defended heroically, with every player contributing. The visitors came within a whisker of an equaliser ten minutes from time when Finnis’ header crashed off the crossbar before Sam Thompson fired the rebound wide, resulting in a collective sigh of relief echoing around the Glebe.

Finnis glanced another header wide on 90 minutes as Brora threw everything forward. Deep into stoppage time, goalkeeper Mackay ventured upfield for a set-piece in search of a dramatic leveller, but City stood firm.

After such a positive opening spell, the red card could have derailed City’s afternoon. Instead, it galvanised them. McNeil in goal commanded his area superbly whilst the rest of the team worked incredibly hard to maintain the clean sheet.  It was a hard-fought, gritty victory - one that may yet prove pivotal in the title race.

Next up, City travel to face Buckie Thistle at Victoria Park on Wednesday evening, buoyed by a result that has given their championship ambitions a significant shot in the arm.