Brechin City produced another encouraging display against Championship opposition but were left with nothing to show for their efforts as Stenhousemuir edged a hard-fought 2-1 victory in yesterdays Premier Sports Cup clash at the Carnegie Fuels Stadium at Glebe Park.

Having already come up against Partick Thistle and Livingston over the last week, Andy Kirk's side continued their upward trajectory with another spirited performance against a side from a higher division. Although City ultimately slipped to a narrow defeat, there were plenty of positives to take from a contest in which they arguably deserved at least a share of the spoils.

Kirk made two changes from the midweek meeting with Livingston. Corey Kirk returned to the starting line-up in place of Fraser Macleod who missed out through illness, while Dale Hilson was handed the central striking role ahead of Michael McQueen.

Greig Young in action for City

As had been the case in their previous two Premier Sports Cup outings, City found themselves behind inside the opening ten minutes. A delivery into the penalty area was only partially cleared, allowing Mikey Anderson to collect possession 20 yards from goal before unleashing a stunning first-time effort that flew into the top corner beyond the helpless Kyle Gourlay.

Despite the early setback, Brechin responded positively and gradually worked themselves into the contest. Their first clear opening arrived after 17 minutes when Hilson intelligently released Lewis Martin down the right-hand side. Martin drove into the penalty area before forcing a smart save from Jamieson. Hilson reacted quickest to the rebound, cutting the ball back across goal but the danger was cleared for a corner.

City continued to battle away and their persistence was rewarded on 43 minutes. Kieran Inglis whipped a dangerous free-kick into the penalty area which caused havoc amongst the visiting defence. The ball ricocheted off Brad McKay before falling kindly for Dale Hilson who reacted instinctively to stab home from close range and score his first goal in City colours.

Dale Hilson celebrates equalising for City

Unfortunately, the celebrations were short-lived as just over a minute later, Stenhousemuir restored their advantage. Corey Kirk's attempted clearance was charged down, allowing Dale Carrick to gather possession on the edge of the box. The experienced forward skipped past a couple of challenges before arrowing an outstanding strike into the top corner, again giving Gourlay no chance to put the Warriors in front again.

There was still time for one more opportunity before the half-time whistle. Euan Spark's excellent long pass picked out Darren Watson in behind the defence - he produced an outstanding first touch to bring the ball under control however he was quickly surrounded by recovering defenders and crowded out before he could test Jamieson.

Stenhousemuir threatened to extend their lead early in the second half when Anderson's low cross found Carrick ten yards from goal, but he could only fire over the crossbar from 10 yards.

City continued to ask questions from set-pieces with Greig Young delivering a series of dangerous balls into the penalty area. One inviting free-kick was headed over his own crossbar by Carrick, while another excellent delivery moments later bounced agonisingly over the leap of McKay at the back post.

Just before the hour mark, City suffered a blow as Kieran Inglis had to go off injured with a rib injury which could see him sidelined for at least a couple of months. He was replaced by Michael McQueen.

Michael McQueen challenges for a high ball

Midway through the second half, Kyle Bell floated a free-kick towards the back post where McKay once again found space. The defender looked destined to equalise but Jamieson reacted superbly, making himself big to deny the defender from close range.

The visitors remained a threat and almost added a third after 73 minutes when Anderson delivered another dangerous cross which found substitute Matty Aitken completely unmarked, but the striker could only guide his header straight into the grateful arms of Gourlay.

City continued to press in search of an equaliser during the closing stages. Hilson almost caught Jamieson out with a fiercely-struck effort from 25 yards which the goalkeeper did well to push away before Young tested the Stenhousemuir stopper from distance with a curling effort that looked destined for the corner but Jamieson was down well to save.

City continued to push for an equaliser in the closing stages but were unable to grab the point their performance arguably merited.

While the result ultimately went against them, another impressive display against higher-level opposition provided further evidence of the progress being made under Andy Kirk. With each passing game, City have looked increasingly competitive and there were plenty more encouraging signs ahead of the new Lowland League East campaign.

City will now conclude their Premier Sports Cup campaign next weekend with a local derby against Forfar Athletic at Station Park, where they will be aiming to end the group stage on a positive note before turning their full attention to the league season.