Brechin City continued their excellent start to the Lowland League campaign with another hard-fought comeback victory yesterday afternoon, coming from behind to defeat Lochee United 2-1 at Thomson Park.

It was yet another display of the character and determination that has become a feature of City’s performances in recent weeks, with Andy Kirk’s side falling behind before responding strongly early in the second half to claim all three points and make it five consecutive league victories.

The result also ensures City’s unbeaten start to the league season continues despite the Bluebells providing a stern test for a City squad still missing a number of key players through injury.

There were two notable additions to the City squad with Darren Watson returning to the starting 11 whilst new loan signing Mason Chisholm made his debut after joining from Airdrieonians on Friday. The 19-year old was handed a starting berth in the heart of the City defence and produced an accomplished performance on his first appearance for the Club.

Mason Chisholm impressed on his debut

City created the first opportunity of the afternoon after seven minutes when Dale Hilson made a dangerous run down the right-hand side of the box. The forward cut towards goal but Lochee goalkeeper Haldane was equal to the effort, making a good save at his near post.

The hosts responded with a couple of opportunities of their own. Ross Fraser headed over from a right-sided cross in the ninth minute before threatening again three minutes later, cutting inside onto his left foot and forcing Kyle Gourlay into a smart low save.

Former City loanee Finlay Allan then tried his luck from distance midway through the half, but his effort sailed comfortably over the crossbar.

City started to look dangerous as the half progressed and came close in the 35th minute when Mitch Taylor worked some space on the edge of the box before seeing his strike flash narrowly wide.

Two minutes later, Darren Watson made a promising run into the penalty area, although his left-footed effort was comfortably held by Haldane.

Shortly after, Watson was involved again as City conjured up their best chance of the half - he produced a great piece of skill to nutmeg former City man Michael McArthur before setting Mitch Taylor up with the goal at his mercy however Haldane reacted superbly to block Taylor’s effort with his feet.

It proved to be a costly miss as Lochee immediately made City pay. On 39 minutes, another former City player RUARI HENRY got in behind Ross Milne down the left-hand side and despite a tight angle he produced an excellent finish, curling the ball beyond Gourlay and into the far corner to give the hosts the lead.

City almost responded before the interval when Mitch Taylor’s cross caused chaos inside the Lochee penalty area. The ball eventually fell to Lewis Martin, whose volley was blocked before Ryan Blair fired the rebound over the crossbar.

Despite trailing at the break, City had shown enough to suggest they were capable of turning the game around and they needed just three minutes of the second half to get themselves level.

Dale Hilson laid the ball off to RYAN BLAIR around 20 yards from goal and the midfielder produced a stunning finish, arrowing a superb strike into the corner of the net to restore parity.

The equaliser gave City renewed momentum and they continued to push forward in search of a second.  Mitch Taylor fired wide at the near post from inside the area in the 56th minute before Hilson almost took advantage of a poor backpass two minutes later but Haldane once again stood tall to deny him with his feet.

City were not to be denied, however, and moments later they completed the turnaround. Dale Hilson showcased his tremendous workrate and determination, winning possession before embarking on a powerful run of around 50 yards towards the Lochee penalty area. With the opportunity to go for goal himself, 'Hilly' instead showed excellent composure and unselfishly squared the ball across the face of goal, allowing DARREN WATSON to arrive and tap home from close range.

Darren Watson puts City ahead

City continued to threaten as they looked to extend their advantage. Hilson was again involved as he fed Euan Hamilton, who advanced forward before unleashing a dipping effort which Haldane did well to deal with.

Lochee still posed a threat themselves and Gourlay was called upon in the 67th minute, tipping Finlay Allan’s low effort around the post.

With the game entering its final stages, City had further opportunities to put the result beyond doubt. Watson was denied by Haldane at the near post in the 75th minute, while the resulting corner from Ryan Blair eventually fell to debutant Mason Chisholm whose volley flew over the crossbar.

City could have sealed all three points in stoppage time when substitute Michael McQueen raced clean through on goal but Haldane again produced an excellent save with his feet to deny him.

It mattered little in the end as City held on to secure another impressive three points on the road as they continue their unbeaten start to the league season.

Greig Young, Mitch Taylor and Manager Andy Kirk show their delight at the final whistle

Attention now turns to Wednesday evening, when City return to action with a trip to Forthbank to face Stirling University (7:45pm).