Brechin City made the long journey north worthwhile as they ground out a hard-fought victory over Wick Academy at Harmsworth Park, with Mitch Taylor’s early second-half goal proving decisive.

On a difficult, fiery surface, this was far from a vintage performance by City but professionalism and resilience ensured they returned home with a crucial three points.

Manager Andy Kirk made two changes from the previous weekend, welcoming back Adam Hutchinson from injury while Grady McGrath came into the starting 11. Callum Hannah and Kieran Inglis dropped to the bench.

Adam Hutchinson returned to the starting 11

The hosts started brightly and almost took the lead after just eight minutes when skipper Gordon Macnab unleashed a powerful effort from distance, only to be denied by a fine fingertip save from Andy McNeil.

City had started slowly but gradually grew into the game, creating their first real opportunity on 27 minutes. A quickly taken free kick from Euan Spark released Lewis Martin down the right whose low delivery found Cillian Sheridan. However, the striker’s heavy first touch allowed the Wick defence to recover and clear.

Moments later, City went even closer. Scott Fraser’s cross was knocked down by Sheridan into the path of McGrath but the striker was denied from point-blank range by the feet of goalkeeper Lewis Gallacher.

Cillian Sheridan is brought down by home skipper Gordon Macnab

Wick remained a threat at the other end, with Spark producing a crucial block just before the half hour mark to deny Louis Hancock. At the other end, Sheridan glanced a header wide before Marc Macgregor fired over from distance for the hosts as the half ended goalless.

Andy Kirk made a change at half time as Fraser Macleod made way for Kieran Inglis and City went on to make the perfect start to the second half. Just two minutes after the restart, Sheridan showed his quality with a delicate chip over the defence for MITCH TAYLOR to chase - goalkeeper Lewis Gallacher lost his footing and Taylor kept his composure to tap the ball into an empty net and give City the lead.

Mitch Taylor wheels away after putting City ahead

The visitors looked to build on their advantage. Spencer Moreland fired narrowly wide soon after, before McGrath struck the crossbar from 12 yards with Taylor unable to convert the rebound.

Wick nearly capitalised on some hesitant defending on 55 minutes, but Brad McKay produced a vital interception just as Hancock prepared to pull the trigger.

Substitute Callum Hannah made an impact with a deep cross on 69 minutes, picking out Moreland at the back post though his header was directed straight at the goalkeeper. Late on, Calvin Beattie saw an effort deflect invitingly into the air but McGrath couldn’t connect cleanly with the follow-up volley.

Calvin Beattie puts in a challenge

Wick’s hopes of grabbing a late equaliser were dealt a blow in the 86th minute when Jack Henry was shown a straight red card by referee Darren Munro for a heavy challenge on Inglis.

From there, Brechin saw the game out. It may not have been a polished display but at this stage of the season, results are what matter most. Attention now turns to a sterner test against Formartine United on Wednesday, where an improved performance will undoubtedly be required against a side that still have an outside chance of the title.