City extended their impressive run of league form with a 3–0 victory over Deveronvale at the Carnegie Fuels Stadium yesterday evening, making it four consecutive league wins and four straight clean sheets for Andy Kirk’s side.

Despite a slow start and a goalless first half, City produced a more decisive display after the interval to claim all three points, with goals from Mitchell Findlay, Spencer Moreland and Grady McGrath sealing the win.

Manager Andy Kirk made six changes from Saturday’s victory as Ross Milne, Adam Hutchinson, Kieran Sweeney, Mitch Taylor and Fraser Macleod all returned to the starting XI, while new signing Scott Fraser made his debut for the club.

Scott Fraser made his debut for City

It was the visitors who threatened first inside the opening minute. Some slack defending from City allowed Fergus Alberts an early sight of goal, but the Vale attacker dragged his effort narrowly wide of the far post in what proved to be a let-off for the home side.

City gradually settled and fashioned their first opportunity on 14 minutes. A long ball forward from Adam Hutchinson picked out Mitch Taylor whose excellent first touch set him through on goal, but a recovering defender and goalkeeper combined to deny him at the crucial moment.

Taylor continued to pose the biggest threat for City. On 21 minutes Spencer Moreland lofted a clever pass over the defence which Taylor met with a fierce volley that flew past the goalkeeper, only for the assistant referee’s flag to cut short the celebrations for offside.

Mitch Taylor thought he had given City the lead but celebrations were cut short due to the offside flag

The winger was involved again just before the half-hour mark. Scott Fraser threaded a ball over the top and Taylor showed great composure to round the keeper, but a last-ditch intervention from Lucas Smith prevented what looked like a certain opener.

Deveronvale responded moments later when Fraser lost possession in midfield, allowing Jack Mitchell to race onto a through ball - he went to ground under pressure from Hutchinson inside the area, but referee Lewis Brown waved away the appeals.

City finished the half on the front foot. On 37 minutes Grady McGrath forced a strong save from Storrier from close range, and two minutes later McGrath saw a pair of efforts blocked amid a crowded penalty area as the sides went in level at the break.

Looking to add more attacking impetus, Kirk made a change at the interval with Mitchell Findlay replacing Kieran Sweeney.

The visitors threatened early in the second period when Murray Esson’s flicked header forced a fine reaction save from Andy McNeil who tipped the effort over the bar.

City quickly regained the initiative. A long throw was flicked on into the six-yard box where Findlay’s close-range attempt was almost fumbled into his own net by Storrier - the goalkeeper just managing to recover.

The breakthrough arrived shortly before the hour mark. Mitch Taylor surged down the right flank and delivered a dangerous cross into the area where MITCHELL FINDLAY met it perfectly, striking a superb first-time volley beyond the keeper to give Brechin the lead.

Mitchell Findlay is congratulated after giving City the lead

Taylor remained a constant nuisance to the Deveronvale defence. In the 71st minute he intercepted possession inside the box and whipped a cross across goal which caused panic before the visitors scrambled the ball clear.

The moment was somewhat overshadowed by a setback for City, as substitute Calvin Beattie - who had just replaced Fraser Macleod following a heavy aerial collision - was forced off shortly afterwards with an ankle injury.

City managed to double the advantage and put the game beyond doubt seven minutes from time. SPENCER MORELAND drove forward with purpose before unleashing a powerful strike from distance. The effort took a decisive deflection off former City loanee Wallace Baird, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and sailing into the net.

As the game entered stoppage time, City added a third goal. Ethan Crombie delivered a floated free-kick into the area where Euan Spark nodded the ball down perfectly for GRADY MCGRATH, who converted from close range to seal a convincing win in the end.

Grady McGrath wheels away after netting the 3rd goal

While the first half lacked tempo and clear cut chances, City's improved urgency after the break ultimately proved decisive. The introduction of Findlay added a sharper attacking edge and City controlled much of the second period before putting the result beyond doubt with two late goals.

Attention now turns to a challenging away fixture this weekend against Fraserburgh at Bellslea Park - a ground where City have yet to claim victory and will be eager to finally get the 'monkey off the back'.