Brechin go extra mile for cup tie
Brechin City were finally able to play a match for the first time in 2026, but had to travel some 40 miles north to do so.
With the Glebe Park pitch deemed unplayable it was decided to host the visit of Nairn County at Balmoral Stadium, home of Cove Rangers.
Despite losing home advantage City were able to win 3-2 to book their place their place in the semi-finals of the Highland League Cup.
Andy Kirk took charge for the first time since returning to the club, but his second spell didn’t get off to the best start as County took the lead after 18 minutes.
On loan Dundee goalkeeper Ruaridh Lynch failed to deal with a cross and after the balled slipped from his grasp it fell for Fraser Dingwall to bundle it into the net.
City would equalise on 31 minutes as Fraser Macleod was brought down inside the box and Grady McGrath stepped up to score the penalty.
The hosts then went in front on 61 minutes with Cillian Sheridan getting on the end of a Spencer Moreland cross.
However, 15 minutes later parity was restored when an Andrew Greig long range strike crashed in via the underside of the bar.
City weren’t done yet though and in the last minute substitute Mitchell Findlay grabbed the winning goal to set up a semi-final meeting with Turriff United next month.
Kirk said: “This was the first time I have been able to see the team in competitive action as our previous games were postponed.
“I thought that the conditions made it very difficult for both sets of players, but we tried to do some of the things we’d been working on in training.
“All credit to the lads, they gave me a lot of energy and kept going and I was delighted that they got their reward at the end.”
It will be back to Highland League action this Saturday as City host Formartine United, before a trip to Buckie Thistle on Wednesday.