Brechin City suffered a heartbreaking stoppage-time defeat at Dudgeon Park as Brora Rangers struck at the death to seize the initiative in the Highland League title race.

In what was always going to be a hugely significant encounter at the top of the table, City went into the game knowing a victory would be enough to clinch the league title. They looked to be on course for a hard-earned and potentially priceless point after Mitch Taylor’s late equaliser had cancelled out James Anderson’s first-half penalty. A draw would have left Brechin knowing that a point against Turriff United on the final day would be enough to clinch the title.

But football can be cruel, and with the clock deep into added time, Connall Ewan pounced from close range to hand Brora a dramatic 2-1 victory and swing the title momentum in the hosts’ favour.

Andy Kirk's selection was boosted by the welcome returns of Brad McKay and Mitch Taylor, both restored to the starting line-up after missing the previous three matches, while Ethan Crombie also came in. Cillian Sheridan, another recent absentee, was also named among the substitutes.

Despite the demands of a lengthy midweek journey to Sutherland, the City support once again turned out in excellent numbers and certainly made their presence felt throughout.

City supporters at Dudgeon Park

It was Brora who settled quickest and threatened inside five minutes. A dangerous delivery into the box found Shane Sutherland, whose header was well clawed away by Andy McNeil. From the resulting corner, Connall Ewan rose highest but sent his header over the bar.

The hosts continued to ask questions and came close again on 16 minutes when Craig Mackenzie’s free-kick was met at the back post, only for the header to drift over.

City gradually worked their way into the contest and carved out a promising opening on 27 minutes. A teasing corner from Kieran Inglis caused uncertainty inside the six-yard box and Lewis Martin was unfortunate not to force the ball over the line amid the scramble.

Two minutes later, City threatened again when Ethan Crombie let fly from distance, but his strike took a deflection and flew straight into the arms of the goalkeeper.

The breakthrough came on 33 minutes, and it arrived in controversial fashion from a Brechin perspective.  As Brora pushed into the penalty area, James Wallace went to ground under pressure from Fraser Macleod, with the referee pointing to the spot. It looked a very soft decision but JAMES ANDERSON made no mistake, sending McNeil the wrong way to put the home side ahead.

Spencer Moreland, making his 100th City appearance, battles for the ball

Brora looked to build on that momentum and nearly added a second three minutes later when Tony Dingwall bent a free-kick narrowly past the far post from around 20 yards.

A floated free-kick into the Brora half on 38 minutes eventually found Spark, who could only guide his effort wide. Just before half-time, another Brora corner led to a chance for James Anderson but the striker could only screw his left-footed effort wide of target.

Although their lead had come courtesy of a highly debatable penalty, Brora were probably deserving of their advantage at the break on the balance of the first-half play.

Brechin began the second period with greater purpose and almost levelled within two minutes of the restart. Another excellent set-piece delivery from Inglis found Spark in the area, and his glancing header drifted inches wide of the target.

However, Brora remained dangerous and nearly capitalised on a Brechin mistake on 55 minutes. A poor kick out from McNeil gifted possession to James Anderson, who quickly fed James Wallace but the Brora attacker dragged his shot narrowly wide of the far post.

City continued to push for an equaliser and made changes with Brad McKay and Ethan Crombie replaced by Calvin Beattie and Cillian Sheridan. One of those substitutions almost paid off on 64 minutes when Sheridan flicked a ball on into the path of Grady McGrath inside the box. A frantic scramble ensued, but Brora eventually managed to gather and clear the danger.

City’s task became significantly tougher on 68 minutes when they were reduced to ten men. Calvin Beattie, who had only been on the pitch for around ten minutes, was shown a straight red card for a high boot. It was another major setback for City, who now faced the closing stages a goal and a man down.

At that stage, the challenge looked daunting but City refused to fold.  With ten minutes remaining, Brechin found the breakthrough they craved.  A free-kick was delivered deep into the Brora penalty area and the ball fell kindly for MITCH TAYLOR who reacted quickest to volley home from around ten yards. The equaliser sparked wild celebrations among the sizeable travelling support, who sensed the title pendulum might just be swinging back City’s way.

Mitch Taylor races away after netting the equaliser

At 1-1, Brechin suddenly had something huge to protect, and for a spell they looked as though they might just see it through.

However Brora threw everything forward in response and Andy McNeil produced two good saves in quick succession to keep City level. On 85 minutes he made a superb point-blank stop to deny Shane Sutherland, before following that up a minute later by getting down sharply to turn away a dangerous 20-yard free-kick from James Wallace.

However, there was a final twist.  Deep into stoppage time, Brora won a free-kick in a dangerous area. Brechin initially managed to block the free kick, but the ball was quickly recycled out to the right flank. From there, a dinked cross was returned into the danger zone and CONNALL EWAN was on hand to smash home from close range in the 93rd minute.

It was a devastating blow for City, who had battled bravely with ten men and looked set to leave Dudgeon Park with a result that could have put one hand on the title.

Truthfully, City were second best for large spells and Brora created the clearer openings over the course of the night.

The title race now heads into another dramatic final day. City must now better Brora Rangers’ result when they travel to face Turriff United, while Brora head to to Huntly. Should both sides win, Brechin would also need to make up a five-goal swing in goal difference to snatch the championship due to Brora's superior goal difference and goals scored.

After such a bitter late setback, City now have no option but to dust themselves down quickly and throw everything at one final push.