Brechin City’s hopes of reaching the final of the R Davidson Highland League Cup were dashed at the Haughs yesterday afternoon as they were defeated 4–3 on penalties by Turriff United following a 1–1 draw in a tightly contested semi-final.

It was a frustrating afternoon for City, who never quite found their usual rhythm and struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against a determined and hard-working Turriff side. Chances were at a premium throughout a game largely devoid of sustained goalmouth action, with both teams cancelling each other out for long spells.

Manager Andy Kirk opted to freshen up his side following Wednesday’s victory over Buckie Thistle, introducing Brad McKay, Bayley Klimionek, Marley Sweenie-Rowe and Ethan Crombie to the starting XI. There was also a welcome boost among the substitutes, with Kieran Inglis named in the matchday squad for the first time since his return to the club.

The home side made the brighter start and came close to breaking the deadlock in the 14th minute. Andy McNeil produced an outstanding save to deny Turriff captain Andrew Watt, reacting sharply to push away a powerful header. Just 30 seconds later McNeil was called into action again, producing a tremendous point-blank stop to keep out Miller Keir before Lewis Martin completed the rescue act by clearing the rebound off the line.

Brechin gradually settled and fashioned their first meaningful opportunity just after the half hour mark. A well-worked move ended with Marley Sweenie-Rowe driving a dangerous low cross into the penalty area that nearly resulted in an own goal as a Turriff defender scrambled to intervene.

City threatened again shortly before the interval when Calvin Beattie fired a low ball across goal from the right, but Grady McGrath could only lash his effort high and wide from a promising position. Despite Brechin finishing the half on a stronger note, it was Turriff who would feel unfortunate not to have led at the break after their earlier chances.

The second half burst into life early. Four minutes after the restart, Turriff were awarded a penalty following quick footwork from Aidan Sopel who went down under Lewis Martin’s challenge. Turriff's top scorer Miller Keir stepped up, but McNeil once again proved City’s hero, diving low to his right to produce another excellent save.

Just two minutes later, Brechin capitalised at the other end to take the lead. Ethan Crombie delivered a floated corner into the box and EUAN SPARK met it with a powerful diving header that flew beyond the goalkeeper to break the deadlock.

Brechin looked to build momentum and nearly doubled their advantage six minutes later, though Calvin Beattie’s tame effort was comfortably gathered by Lee Herbert.

Turriff continued to press without creating many clear openings - a dipping Kyle Douglas volley on 66 minutes landed on the roof of the net as the hosts searched for a response.

The equaliser arrived for the hosts eight minutes from time. A low cross from the right caused problems in the Brechin penalty area and REECE MCKEOWN swept the ball home at the near post to level the contest and set up a tense finish.

Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages, meaning the semi-final went straight to a penalty shootout.

City began strongly from the spot as Grady McGrath and Fraser Macleod both converted confidently. However, momentum shifted when Bayley Klimionek saw his penalty saved and Mitch Taylor’s effort sailed over the crossbar. Andy McNeil gave Brechin renewed hope by saving Turriff’s fourth penalty, allowing Kieran Inglis to step up and convert under pressure. Ultimately, though, Turriff held their nerve, scoring the decisive kick to secure a 4–3 shootout victory and a place in the final.

While league commitments remain Brechin City’s primary focus, there was clear disappointment at full-time as the opportunity to compete for further silverware slipped away. On a day when City never fully got going, they ultimately did not do enough to progress.

Attention now quickly turns back to Highland League action, with City returning to the Carnegie Fuels Stadium at Glebe Park on Wednesday evening to host Deveronvale, kick-off 8pm.