| 08/09 Match Reports Brechin Vic’s travelled to Guthrie park, Forfar for a D.J. Laing League cup match with both teams keen to avoid the wooden spoon for the group The Vic’s welcomed back manager Simpson and S. Barclay from holiday and included a trialist in their starting line up Forfar Albion having retained only three players from last season started confidently on the back of narrow defeats by Roselea and ASC. As the Vic’s settled Simpson held off a defender and won a corner, which was taken, by Fenwick giving Hood had a chance with a free header at the back post but was he off target. Barclays pace took him away from a defender but he couldn’t deliver a telling cross Eaton released Simpson down the left but his cross was blocked Cairney was turned by the Albion centre (and an unlucky bounce) in the 7th min but Gauld cleared. From a corner in the 8th min Albion had their first chance, Fenwick cleared on the far post. In the 10th min a Mudie clearance put Barclay in on goal but he couldn’t steer the ball past the Albion keeper An exchange of passes between Mudie and Cairney freed Gauld on the right but his cross went behind I n the 15th min Eaton lost the ball on the edge of the box and was grateful to Cairney who nipped in to spare his blushes with a saving tackle. Only minutes later Cairney stepped in again to tidy up a misplaced Hood pass across the penalty box. In the 19th min a curling Fenwick free kick was met by Simpson at the back post but he headed wide In the 22nd min Barclay pounced on a defensive mistake and set up Simpson who’s shot was blocked, then Simpson returned the favour and set up Barclay who fired low through a group of defenders and into the Albion keepers hands. In the 24th min after a good save from Robbie the ball broke to the Albion centre who fired home. 1 – 0 The Vic’s responded with a Hood corner, from which Ross had a half chance, which was deflected for a second corner taken by Eaton which bounced around the box before being cleared. In the 33rd min Mudie did well to get across the box to deal with an Albion break and then Ross found Simpson with a superbly weighted pass but his thundering shot on the turn hit the bar In the 42 min a clever dummy by Simpson on the edge of the box from a Hood cross let in Fenwick, who shot wide In the last min of the half Fenwick had a further chance, which the keeper held under the bar. Half time summary : A very positive, hard working performance from the Vic’s the defence marshalled by Cairney has provided the base from which to build several encouraging attacks – we expect to see some goals in the second half as Albion tire. The Vic’s Trialist had shown a willingness to work and get forward to support the attack The second half started with an injury to Simpson and a chance for Albion when a Hood slip let in the Albion winger, Robbie was untroubled by his poor cross Hood made amends in the 55th min when he skinned the full back and delivered a fine ball across the goal for the Vic’s trialist to show his attacking instincts, getting in front of his marker to fire home 1 – 1 In the 57th min Barclay was replaced by Crighton whose first involvement was to get behind the full back and win a corner. The corner brought a wild shot by Simpson as the Vic’s continued to press forward After Fenwick was fouled on the edge of the box Hood’s free kick was met by Ross who’s shot was cleared off the line. Then the lively Crighton made a good turn and sped away from his marker only to over hit his pass to Simpson In the 66th min Marshall replaced the Vic’s trialist who’d had an excellent game. two mins later Marshall and Simpson combined in midfield and as the Albion keeper and defence decided who was going to clear the ball the alert Crighton ran in and scored 1 – 2 In the 71st min the eager Crighton ran down a back pass, which the keeper completely missed, as he tried to kick clear – unluckily for the Vic’s Crighton was unable to get to it and the ball rolled inches wide of the far post. At the other end Mudie made a brave clearing tackle and shortly afterwards so too did Cairney, although he made time to show his younger colleagues how to find Simpson with a long pass, Simpson and Crighton combined to make a chance for Hood but he shot over the bar I n the 80th min, after Hood had been replaced by Bruce, Fenwick tested the keeper with a good shot from a Robbie clearance With the Vic’s pressing for a third goal to put the game beyond Albion, Simpson held the ball up well before playing in Hood, who set up Marshall for a good drive which went just wide. The game finished with the Vic’s on the attack, a Ross free kick put Crighton clear and poised to strike as the ref blew for full time. Summary : A fine performance in every department, Goalkeeper, defence, midfield and attack all worked hard for each other. The linking play between the units was good but will improve as the side settles and players get to know each others strengths and preferences and the subs did their part too. Perhaps the most important thing about the game will be to build on the confidence this should give the players, we’ve been playing well and now we can get results. Next Match : Saturday 30th Aug – East Craigie (away) Kick off – 2.30 Brechin Vic’s : J. Robbie. I. Gauld. B. Mudie. E. Cairney. C. Eaton L. Hood. Trialist P. Ross. S. Fenwick. C. Simpson. S. Barclay Subs : R. Crighton. M. Bruce. S. Marshall. C. Valentine, B. Nicol. S. Wilson **************************************************************************************************************************************************
East Craigie 2 Brechin Vics 4 Vics travelled to Dundee for their first league game of the new season. Manager Simpson had almost a full squad to pick from with only S Cairney missing due to a foot injury. Vics started very brightly and had the East Craigie defence under extreme pressure for the first 20 mins. Hood and Fenwick were causing there defence problems down the flanks and only a lack of a good final ball prevented Vics from taking the lead. Good inter play between Gauld, Ross and Skelly resulted in Crighton being sent down the wing but his cross was easily dealt with by the keeper. East Craigie crept into the game and a neat near post header had keeper Robbie scrambling across his goal.
Vics took the lead midway through the half. Hood won the ball in the middle of the park and sent Simpson through on goal and with only the keeper to beat he curled a great effort into the far corner from 16 yards. It was all Vics at this stage and they increased their lead on 30 mins when another good passing move in the middle of the park again saw Simpson in the clear. This time Simpson elected to square the ball to Crighton who saw his effort blocked only for Simpson to follow up and smash the ball high into the net from 22 yards. Vics looked as if they could score with every attack and this they did on 35 mins when a long ball from Fenwick saw Crighton burst between two Craigie defenders before expertly chipping the ball past the diving keeper. Vics continued to dominate and despite continuous attacking they failed to increase their lead before half time Half Time 0 - 3 Vics expected an onslaught from East Craigie in the second half and they didn't disappoint. Right from the kick off they took the game to Vics and only some desperate defending at times by the rearguard of Gauld,E .Cairney, Mudie and Eaton kept Vics in front. Craigie pulled a goal back on 60 mins when a floated free kick appeared to be falling into keeper Robbie's arms before the East Craigie striker got the faintest of touches to lift it over him. Two controversial decisions by the referee almost had East Craigie level. the first happened on 70 mins when Eaton was adjudged to have taken down the East Craigie player although there appeared to be minimal contact with the player threw himself to the ground and a penalty was awarded. Robbie was well beaten by the resultant spot kick. The second decision happened after which appeared to be a good tackle by Fenwick outside of the box the referee to Vics dismay again pointed to the spot. This time the East Craigie player elected to blast the ball and justice was probably done when the ball went flying high over the crossbar. Longmuir replaced Hood as Vics tried to see out the remaining 15 minutes. This they did successfully and for the first time in the second half began to play some football. Fenwick had a great attempt from 40 yards his shot being tipped over by the keeper. Eaton played Simpson clear on goal but his shot flew over the bar. Wilson replaced Skelly and what an inspired substitution this proved to be. As Vics retained possession in the East Craigie half a neat exchange of passes between Ross and Simpson saw the ball cut back for Wilson to slot home from 16 yards to complete the scoring. Team - J Robbie, I Gauld, C Eaton, B Mudie, E Cairney, P Ross, S Fenwick, D Skelly, C Simpson, R Crighton, L Hood. Subs - M Bruce, D Longmuir, S Wilson, C Christie, S Marshall, C Valentine, S Barclay,B Nicoll. This was the definitely a game of two halves. Vics dominated the first half playing some delightful football and probably should have gone in at the interval more than three goals to the good. The second required a real workman like performance. This they achieved to a certain extent and only some controversial refereeing decisions almost allowed East Craigie to get level. Fortunately justice was done on the second spot kick. ************************************************************************************************************************************************************* Brechin Vics 4 Forfar Albion 0 Vics had their first home league match on Saturday against local outfit Forfar Albion. Vics kept the same starting eleven as last week. Vics started brightly enough and had Albion on the back foot. Hood and Fenwick were again showing their menace down the flanks but their final ball failed to pick anyone out. Albion came more into the game and keeper Robbie had a good safe from a fierce shot from 25 yards. Robbie again was called into action on 20 mins when he saved with his feet as the Albion striker was sent clear. Vics took the lead on 25 mins after good play between Eaton and Hood played in Skelly who was then brought down on the edge of the box as he was about to shoot. Hood took the freekick and although it wasn't one of his best efforts the keeper failed to hold it and the ball ended in the back of the net. Vics continued to press but had to be mindfull of Albions breakaways. Good challenges by E.Cairney and Mudie broke up most of the danger. Vics doubled their lead just before half time with Skelly scoring with a shot from the edge of the box after Albion failed to clear a Vics corner. Half time 2 - 0 Vics controlled the second half and played some of their best football of the season so far. Ross and Skelly controlled the centre of the park and were continually prompting the forward runs of wingers Fenwick and Hood. Full backs Gauld and Eaton were encouraged at all time to support the wide men and as a result Vics looked dangerous with every attack. Vics extended their lead on 70 mins with the best passing move of the match. Cairney and Eaton exchanged passes before playing the ball wide to Hood. Hood in turn made a terrific cross field pass right onto the toe of Crighton who's first touch took him past his marker before pulling the ball back to the edge of the box for Simpson to score with a cool finish from 16 yards. Vics were now dominant and made a substitution with Christie replacing Crighton. Christie was involved immediately but his effort from 20 yards was easily saved. Vics made two further changes when Wilson and Marshall replaced Skelly and Mudie. Most of the play was now down Vics right with Gauld and Fenwick causing all sorts of problems but the strikers failed to get on the end of the crosses. Robbie was called into action however when a rare Forfar attack saw their striker in the clear but Robbie raced from his line to block the effort. Vics completed the scoring on 85 mins. Again good play by Gauld and Fenwick saw the latter up ended. Fenwick's delivery picked out Marshall and he headed high into the corner of the net from 8 yards. Full time 4 - 0 Team - J Robbie, I Gauld, C Eaton, B Mudie, E Cairney, P Ross, S Fenwick, D Skelly, C Simpson, R Crighton, L Hood. Subs - S Wilson, S Marshall, C Christie, D Longmuir, C Valentine, M. Bruce This was a good performance by Vics especially in the second half. The first half saw a good team performance with everyone working for one another. The second half saw Brechin play some excellent football and score a couple of well worked goals. Vics however have a very difficult league match next week away to Montrose Roselea with a 2.30pm kick off ******************************************************************************************************************************************************* The Vic’s travelled to Montrose for their table toppers league match against Roselea and expected to start the derby with the same starting line up as in their two previous games, Manager Simpson was forced into a quick rethink when Gauld pulled up during the warm up with a muscle strain. Roselea were at full strength with a number of former senior players included in their line up Kerrigan, McKellar and Watson among them. Eaton lost the first challenge of the match but recovered quickly to win the ball back, thereafter he settled into this game and hardly put a foot wrong, the dependable Cairney won his early tackles and continued his fine form of recent weeks. Crighton’s first involvement was to burst between two defenders and was unceremoniously brought down Fenwick’s free kick found Longmuir whose header back across goal was bundled clear Mudie at right back defended resolutely against his more experienced opponents and seem to be the target of some very strong challenges as Roselea asked questions of the younger Vic’s desire to mix it. Crighton broke free of his marker in the tenth min but over hit his pass to Simpson on the wet surface. Skelly gave away a free kick in midfield and the ball was played wide from the cross the Roselea centre had the first real chance of the game but header wide, As Roselea pushed forward Eaton conceded a corner which was flicked on at the near post, (a well rehearsed at training move) the second header was saved comfortably by Robbie. Fenwick gave the ball away and Ross regained possession and returned the ball to Fenwick who like Crighton earlier was clattered by his marker, from Mudie’s free kick Hood won a corner. Fenwick’s corner picked out Longmuir who set up Hood whose header went just wide. In the next Roselea attack the tireless Fenwick, back defending was called upon to clear after an uncharacteristic Robbie fumble. Then Cairney cleared off the line after Robbie had left his goal for a cross but failed to collect. As we worried that Robbie might be having an off day the Vic’s came storming back with a twenty five min spell of their best football of the match. Skelly beat three men in midfield men before playing a slide rule pass into Hood inside the Roselea box, Hood’s cross was deflected for a corner. From the corner Simpson held the ball up before finding Longmuir who’s shot from twenty yards went just wide. Hood and Crighton were doing well against the left side of the Roselea defence Skelly was running midfield with some help from Ross and Eaton as the Vic’s probed for an opening, Roselea seemed to drift out of the game Fenwick sent a free kick passed the post, and then moments later fired in a decent shot from twenty yards, which the goalkeeper held. Ross won the ball in midfield and found Crighton who was fouled. Hood took the free kick and curled the ball just over the bar. Shortly afterwards in the thirty eighth min Mudie was replaced by Valentine after another heavy challenge. Ross broke up a Roselea attack and Fenwick’s free kick (after a foul on Hood) found the head of Simpson who headed wide as the half finished Half time summary : for the most part the Vic’s had been playing the better football although Roselea are still a very dangerous outfit with experienced players in every area. The second half started with the Vic’s continuing to probe the Roselea defence down the wings However in the 47th min the Roselea winger went down under a Crighton challenge and the ref awarded a very soft penalty. Robbie was beaten from the spot, low to his left 1 – 0 In the fifty-second min Vic’s responded with an exchange of passes between Crighton and Fenwick before Longmuir shot wide from twenty yards. In the fifty seventh min with Ross appealing that he had been pushed off the ball the Roselea centre had a free header six yards out and the Vic’s were down 2 – 0 Looking for a goal to get themselves back in the game Skelly beat two defenders on the edge of the box but shot wide Ross broke up a Roselea attack and pushed upfield his pass went to the wrong side of Simpson. Hood and Fenwick in midfield seemed to find new energies and tried to get the Vic’s strikers in on goal but play had become patchy rather than the flowing football we’d enjoyed in the first half Barclay replaced Longmuir and Christie replaced Crighton as the Vic’s tried to get going again, Christie had a good shot saved from a thirty-yard free kick and showed he could win his share of headers while Barclay struggled to get into the game. Brechin Vic’s J. Robbie B. Mudie. P. Ross. E. Cairney. C. Eaton S. Fenwick. D. Skelly. D. Longmuir L. Hood R. Crighton. C. Simpson Subs C. Valentine. C. Christie. S. Wilson. S. Barclay ********************************************************************************************************************************************************************* Brechin Vic’s travelled to Dundee to face Broughty Athletic, a team who recorded a 9 goal win last week and are expected to be Roselea’s main challengers for the promotion slot. The Vic’s had Gauld at right back after his calf muscle strain but were missing the influential Fenwick and Mudie who had not recovered from their injuries. The game opened with the both teams trying to pass the ball with Gauld seeing plenty of the ball. Robbie saw his first action of the match in the second min when he collected a header from the Broughty striker. Vic’s first chance came a minute later when Simpson shot from the edge of the box straight at the keeper. In the fourth min Longmuir’s control was poor in midfield and ball was played in behind Eaton to the Broughty winger who drove home across Robbie 1 – 0 Vic’s centre backs Ross and E .Cairney struggled with a series of dangerous crosses and the movement of the Broughty central strike pairing. Vic’s adjusted with Hood and Valentine switching sides to combat the pressure on the young Vic’s fullbacks who looked as if they were going to be over run. In the tenth min the Vic’s began to play and Skelly, Gauld and Valentine exchanged passes, but unfortunately it proved to be a false dawn and in the twelfth min Eaton was skinned on the left, Hood couldn’t get back to block the cross and a Broughty striker scored with a free header 2 – 0 The Vic’s responded with a six man passing move which broke down in on the edge of the box, Then in the seventeenth min another string of passes finished with Simpson being dispossessed on the goal line before he cold get a shot/cross in. E. Cairney and Ross were called on repeatedly to make last gasp saving tackles as Broughty seemed to pass through the Vic’s midfield and wide areas at will. In the thirty first min Skelly tried his luck from thirty yards, which provided momentary relief for the beleaguered Vic’s defenders. Broughty switched to plan B and the left-winger instead of beating his marker and firing in a cross started to take on a second and third defender. In the twenty sixth min, leaving three defenders in his wake his cross took out Robbie who’d been drawn to the near post and a Broughty striker (unchallenged) flicked the ball into the net for 3 – 0 The Broughty playmaker (no 4) in midfield was causing Longmuir all sorts of problems and to compound the Vic’s problems Hood was booked for a trip from the back in midfield. In the twenty-ninth min Valentine was turned by the winger and the striker got in front of Gauld to turn the ball home for 4 – 0 An hour to go and Broughty looked as if they could match last week score – or more! In the thirty-eighth min the Broughty no 4 took the ball past four Vic’s players in the box before Robbie blocked his shot from the corner Robbie made a brave save at the feet of a Broughty striker as he tried to get a shot away. In the last moments of the half Skelly and Simpson combined to put Crighton free in the box but he was crowded out before he could get a shot away then after Hood and Simpson had worked the ball to Crighton his touch was poor and the ball cleared Half time summary : There is no doubt that the Vic’s have made great progress under Simpson and Millar but after all the positives of recent weeks this has been a very disappointing performance, Broughty have worked harder, had more purpose, been better organised and the Vic’s are luck to be only four down The second half started with Christie up front with Simpson on for Hood and Crighton taking Hoods place on the right of midfield. In the fiftieth min Simpson did well on the right and sent in a low cross, which, Christie got on the end of but from a good position put the ball past the post. We haven’t seen much of Christie this season (who had a fine goal scoring record in amateur football) and we hoped he’d put that kind of chance away, hopefully it won’t be long before he starts scoring. In the fifty-seventh min Robbie made the best save of the match, diving to his left to palm away a fierce net bound shot for a corner. Valentine worked the ball down the left but ran out of space and ideas before he could get a cross in. In the sixty seventh min Eaton made a terrific fifty yard run taking the ball past three defenders before being upended in the box and we knew it wasn’t going to be out day when the ref waved away the Vic’s (half hearted) appeals for a penalty. In the last fifteen mins of the game the Vic’s gave Bruce and S Cairney a run in place of Skelly and Crighton. Bruce was neat and tidy, receiving and laying of the ball intelligently in the middle of the park while S. Cairney got up and down the right side of the pitch to help in defence and to support the strikers. In the eightieth min Eaton, Bruce and S Cairney exchanged passes in a flowing move before Christie hit a shot over the bar. Three mins later Gauld brought down a Broughty striker in the box and for the third week running the Vic’s had a penalty awarded against them unlike the previous two penalties there can be no complaints about this decision. The penalty was duly dispatched into the net behind Robbie for 5 – 0 As the closing mins were played out S. Cairney had a good run from his own half before passing the ball to Longmuir who shot went wide. Next Match : Saturday 30th Aug – East of Scotland Cup - Away to Tranent (who are mid table in the south league) Kick off – 2.30 Brechin Vic’s : J. Robbie. I. Gauld. . E. Cairney. C. Eaton L. Hood. D. Longmuir. D. Skelly. C. Valentine. C. Simpson. R. Crighton. Subs : M. Bruce. C. Christie. B. Nicol. S. Wilson. S. Cairney ********************************************************************************************************************************************************************** Tranent 5 Brechin Vics 1 Vics made the long journey to meet Tranent in this East of Scotland Cup match. Vics were expectant of a difficult match and were shocked to find the pitch in such poor condition considering the time of season. However it was the same for both sides and this together with a strong wind were to make it very difficult to play any kind of passing football The match started very evenly with both sides having their share of attacks. Vics were having a bit of success down the right with Gauld and Crighton keen to venture forward. Marksmen Simpson and Christie both had shots but they fell wide of the target. Tranent began to get a bit more of the play but failed to trouble the back four well marshalled by Ross and Cairney. Longmuir played a quick through ball to Christie and from a tight angle he failed to trouble the keeper. Eaton and Hood played neat football down the left and when the final cross from Hood came in there were no takers. The match turned on 25 mins when the referee awarded a soft freekick wide on Vics left. When the resulant kick came in the Tranent no 10 rose highest to head home from 6 yards. Vics found themselves two goals down on 35 mins. Vics lost the ball in the middle of the park and as Tranent's midfielder drove towards the box he played in Tranent's No 6 who's shot from 12 yards took a slight deflection which was enough to take it past the diving Robbie. Vics failed to get ruffled however and continued to play their passing game which was made all the harder because of the very uneven pitch. Vics did get back into the game on 43 mins when a long upfield ball from Robbie was headed on by Simpson to Christie who held off two Tranent defenders before lobbing the advancing keeper. Half time 2 - 1 The first 6 minutes of the second half provoed to be Vics downfall as they lost 3 goals within the spell. The first was a 25 yard shot into the top corner of the net leaving Robbie no chance. Gauld appeared to pick up an injury at this point and before Vics could reorganise and get a sub on they lost another goal. Wilson replaced the injured Gauld and before he got a touch off the ball a third was scored this time from a mistake on the edge of the box although the Tranent striker looked to be in an offside position. Although the game was effectively over as a contest Vics young side to their credit continued to pass the ball and worked hard to get back in the game. Christie should have scored when good play down the left between Eaton and Hood saw the play switched to the right to Crighton and when his cross came in found Christie unmarked but from 8 yards his shot was saved. M Bruce replaced Skelly and Barclay replaced Christie as Vics pushed to get a goal back. Simpson was next to try his luck but was pulled back when put through by Ross. The resultant freekick went over. Robbie was again in action in the closing stages when he saved well from a shot from 20 yards. Final 5 - 1 Team.- Robbie, Gauld, Eaton, Ross, E.Cairney, Longmuir, Crighton, Skelly, Simpson, Christie, Hood. Subs, Wilson, M Bruce, Barclay, Nicoll, Massie, G Bruce This was a story of 6 minutes at that start of the second half when Vics conceded 3 goals. There was not too much between the sides up to half time but losing three goals so soon effectively killed the game. The players however continued to try and play their passing game in difficult conditions. They must put their obvious dissapointment behind them as they have a home cup tie against Bankfoot on Saturday 4th October with a kick off 2.30pm ********************************************************************************************************************************************************************** Brechin Vics 1 Bankfoot 2 Vics entertained Bankfoot in the 1st round of the G A Engineering Cup. Vics were minus Skelly, Longmuir, S Cairney and Barclay who were all unavailable. The match started in torrential rain with the ball skidding off the good playing surface. Both teams showed their intent with attacking football the order of the day. As the rain eased the chances began to be created and keeper Robbie was called into action diving to punch clear a fierce shot from the right. Vics first real chance fell to Hood but he was being pushed wide and his effort failed to trouble the keeper. It was a fairly even game with both sides looking to pass the ball. Vics fell behind on 12 mins when they failed to clear a Bankfoot throw in. The ball was played back into the feet of the Bankfoot stiker and although Robbie pushed the initial shot onto the post a Bankfoot player reacted quickest to slot the ball into the empty net from 4 yards. Vics were playing some neat football from the back with Eaton and Gauld always willinging to take the ball from the keeper to build up the attacks. It was from one of these build ups that vics equalised. On 27 mins Eaton took a throw from Robbie before playing a good ball up the line to Hood who in turn beat his marker before crossing into the box.The Bankfoot defender had a chance to clear before Simpson pounced to slam the ball home from 8 yards. Ross and Fenwick were now controlling the centre of midfield able supported by wide men Crighton and Valentine. Vics again continued to play neat passing football without causing a real threat on goal. Bankfoot had a late flourish towards the end of the half but found centre defenders Cairney and Mudie to be in good form and not giving the strikers any chances. Half time 1 - 1 The second again was a very entertaining encounter with both sides pushing for the elusive second goal. Robbie's handling in the wet conditions was excellent making a difficult diving save look very easy. Vics were having a bit of success down the right and a good Ross pass played in Valentine on 65 mins but his centre failed to find strikers Simpson and Hood. Bankfoot did however hit back took the lead when on 70 mins when Vics lost possession in a bad area. The ball was played in behind full back Gauld and as he slid in to challenge for the ball the referee adjudged that Gauld caught the Bankfoot player and a penalty kick was awarded. The Bankfoot played slammed the resultant kick beyond the diving Robbie. Vics dusted themselves down and continued to play their passing game and had plenty of possession without really creating any clear cut chances. Vics made a couple of changes with Massie and Wilson replacing Gauld and Valentine. Vics continued to look dangerous but the final ball was lacking. Hood had a chance from and Eaton corner but failed to get a proper connection and the ball was cleared. Vics pressed right to the last minute and almost equalised but Crighton's angled shot from 18 yards crashed off the post and behind for a goal kick. Final score 1 - 2 Team :- Robbie, Gauld, Eaton, Mudie, E.Cairney, Ross, Valentine, Fenwick, Simpson, Hood, Crighton. Subs - Wilson, Massie, Nicoll, M. Bruce Vics overall play was a great improvement on last week. They had plenty of possession and retained the ball very well at times. Vics seemed to run out of ideas in the final third however. There seemed to be a lack of an incisive final pass with many good passages of play failing to get an attempt on goal. Vics have a difficult home league fixture on Saturday 11th October when they entertain promotion hopefuls Dundee Violet. This match has a 2.30pm kick off *********************************************************************************************************************************************************************** Brechin Vics 1 Dundee Violet 4 Vics were back on league action os Saturday and knew that they were in for a very difficult game against one of the promotion favourites. The first 15 minutes or so was a fairly even with Violet probably having more possession but not creating too many chances. Vics defence of Gauld , E Cairney, Mudie and Massie restricted Violet to long range efforts without causing keeper Robbie into any saves. Vics themselves had a couple of good attacking moves but once again the crosses into the box failed to pick out strikers Simpson and Hood. This all changed on 17 mins when Vics fell behind. A long ball was played into the Vics box and although there was opportunities to clear the ball Vics defence failed to clear and when the shot came in from 18 yards Robbie could only parry the shot with the Violet attacker acting quickest to fire the ball into the empty net from 8 yards. Worse was to follow when on 25 mins Vics found themselves two down. Vics again failed to clear their lines allowing the Violet striker to fire home from 20 yards unchallenged giving Robbie no chance. Vics then had a decent spell of pressure with Ross beginning to drive the midfield forward to help the attack. Hood had an effort on goal after good play down the right form Fenwick but his shot was saved by the keeper. Vics fell further behind on 35 mins when this time the Violet winger was put clear down their left and when the cross came in it unfortunately rebouned off Cairney and into the net. Again Vics came back into the game and were rewarded for their efforts when on 40 mins Crighton pulled a goal back with a well placed shot from 10 yards from a Fenwick cross after he had been put clear by a great Ross pass. Half time 1 - 3 The second half was a much closer encounter but with Violet always looking dangerous on the counter attack. Robbie was brought into action and produced a great diving save from a shot from 18 yards. Vics introduced 3 subs with Eaton replacing Gauld and new signings Paton and Croall replacing Wilson and Crighton. Vics were now in a more adventerous formation with 3 strikers but this made them vunerable for the counter attack. It was from one of these attacks that Violet increased their lead on 70 mins when again Robbie made a great save from a shot from a suspisously offside position ,only for the Violet striker to react quickest to the rebound and fire the ball home. Throughout the second half Vics continued to work the ball into the wide areas and use the speed and craft of Fenwick and Paton but only had long range efforts from Croall and Hood. In the last 10 mins Vics almost scored a couple times when first a Ross centre was only just missed by the stretching Croall and then 2 mins later an Eaton centre was narrowly headed wide by Hood. Full time 1 - 4 Team :- Robbie, Gauld, Massie, Mudie, E Cairney, Wilson, Fenwick, Ross, Simpson, Crighton, Hood. Subs - Croall, Paton, Eaton, S Cairney, Barclay, Nicoll, G Bruce, M Bruce Its tough going at the moment for Vics with their last 3 league games having been against the title favourites. Every mistake is being punished with a goal at the moment. There is no easy fix just hard work and determination by everyone.
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Brechin Vic’s travelled to Dundee to face Downfield JFC, in a north division mid table league match apart from their opponents the Vic’s had to contend with a slippery surface, the infamous Downfield slope and a howling gale. The game opened with the both teams trying to pass the ball and the Vic’s had the better of the opening exchanges but by the twelfth min the game had settled into a pattern of play with the Downfield passing combinations extending to eight to ten consecutive passes while the Vic’s could only manage four to six passes when they had the ball. However the Vic’s were matching Downfield for effort and a good defending header by Valentine in the centre of the goal prevented a scoring opportunity for the Downfield attackers massed around him. In the twentieth minute the first clear chance of the game fell to the Downfield left winger who after being through on Robbie’s goal pulled his shot wide. In the twenty sixth min Hood announced his arrival in the game and fired a wind-assisted free kick from 40 yards just past the right hand post. Then Croall threw himself at a Fenwick cross but failed to connect. After an interchange of one touch passes on the left the Downfield striker blazed wide from twenty yards, then in the fortieth minute the best chance of the half after another good exchange of passes, fell to the same Downfield striker whose header was comfortably held by Robbie. Croall then tried his luck with a wind assisted, thirty-yard header which the keeper held, in the last minute of the half Eaton fired in a fierce free kick, which the keeper fisted clear under pressure from Simpson In the second minute after the restart Mudie, at full stretch, appeared to push a net bound effort on to the bar with his hand and the Vic’s rode their luck as the referee waved aside appeals for a penalty. Simpson then had a great chance to put the Vics in front when he evaded the attentions of the downfield defence and was clean through on goal, unfortunately his shot was inches wide with goalkeeper beaten. In the fifty-second minute Robbie was deceived by a cross, which sailed over his head and into the net 1 – 0 The Vic’s replaced Paton with Skelly and Skelly’s first involvement was to get a header in on goal from a S. Cairney cross, two minutes later a Valentine shot was held by the keeper as the Vic’s tried to get back into the match. On the hour Longmuir replaced S. Cairney. Skelly was showing up well in midfield and combined with Simpson to create an opening for Fenwick but the final pass was over-hit and ran out of play Ross mopped up any ball into the Vic’s half and limited the Downfield attackers to a few forlorn chases, as again the Vic’s pressed for the equaliser, Croall had a shot just wide and then cruelly for the Vic’s, Downfield doubled their lead in the sixty eighth minute when a cross from the right was stabbed home by the Downfield centre before the Vic’s defenders could react 2 - 0. Again the Vic’s tried to come back and an Eaton pass gave Croall a half chance but he was forced wide and the danger cleared. In the seventy second minute a long cross from the left was headed back into the centre of the goal and headed home for 3 – 0 Game over ! In the last fifteen minutes Simpson had a fine run down the right against the wind from the halfway line leaving two Downfield defenders in his wake and shot narrowly wide from an acute angle. Skelly had another headed attempt on goal which the keeper held, Robbie palmed a swirling cross onto the bar and Gauld replaced Fenwick to play out the last ten minutes After the match Asst Manager Millar said “I felt we matched them in the first half and there was nothing between the sides at half time, as before we lost concentration around the fifty minute mark and went behind, then losing two in four minutes there was no way back for us” Next Match : Saturday 1st Nov at Dyce Juniors in a Scottish Junior cup tie Kick off – 2.30 Brechin Vic’s : J. Robbie. C. Valentine.P. Ross. B. Mudie . C. Eaton L. Hood. C. Paton. S. Cairney. S. Fenwick C. Simpson. D. Croall Subs : I.Gauld. S. Wilson. D. Skelly. D. Longmuir. C. Massie ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************* Dyce 2 Brechin Vics 0 Vics travelled north in the 2nd round of the Scottish Cup to meet super league outfit Dyce. The match started with the home side on the ascendancy and it took a good Robbie save from a back post header plus and almighty goalmouth scramble which was eventually cleared by Mudie to stop Dyce from taken a 2nd minute lead. Vics began to settle after the initial 5 min period of pressure from Dyce and began to create chances of there own. The first real chance fell to Skelly who latched onto a Paton cross come shot but his header from 8 yards was saved by the keeper. Vics were building well from the back and after good interpassing involving Paton, Skelly and Fenwick sent Simpson down the right with his first time cross just failing to pick out Hood at the back post. Dyce were always danagerous however especiually from set pieces. Ross was marshalling his defence of E. Cairney, Mudie and Eaton well , this preventing any chances from open play. Robbie had a good save from a Dyce corner punching over a close range header. From another couple of corners Dyce created mayhem and only two good goal line clearance from fenwick kept the scoreline blank. Vics had a good move down the left when Eaton and S.Cairney exchanged passes before Eaton went past 2 players but his final ball into the box skidded of the surface and with Simpson just failing to connect when 10 yards out. E Cairney was next to create a chance when his ball down the right found Simpson and his cross found Hood but his header went wide. Half time 0 - 0 The game followed much the same pattern as the first half with both teams trying to pass the ball but much of the play was in midfield. 15 mins in and Dyce seemed to up the tempo and only a great challenge by Ross kept out the Dyce forward. Robbie then produced two stunning saves from close range headers to keep the scoreline blank. Dyce took the lead on 68 mins. The ball was played into the box and although keeper Robbie made 2 diving saves the second sent the ball high in the air towards the Vics goal. As Ross attempted to clear the ball he appeared to be pushed in the back which allowed the striker to bundle the ball into the net from 2 yards. The referee awarded the goal. Vics introduce Croall and Crighton for S.Cairney and Fenwick as they tried to get back into the game. Croall had a chance when played through and from 18 yards his shot was saved by the keeper. Vics fell further behind when on 84 mins a rasping shot from 18 yards went in off the post giving Robbie no chance. Vics pushed to the very end but were unable to seriously trouble the Dyce defence. Full time 2 - 0 Team - Robbie, E Cairney, Eaton, Ross, Mudie, Skelly, Fenwick, Paton, Simpson, Hood, S. Cairney Subs, Crighton, Croall, Gauld, Massie, Hattersly Vics have a home league game on Saturday 8th November against Arbroath Sporting Club with a 2 pm kick off *******************************************************************************************************************************************************8 Brechin Vics 1 Arbroath S C 2 Vics were back in league action on Saturday when they entertained their near neighbours. Vics started very brightly and with their first attack almost took the lead. Simpson was played into the the box by Crighton, he beat his marker only to see his shot from 16 yards deflected wide by the defender for a corner kick with the Arbroath keeper beaten. ASC took the lead in 5 mins with almost their first attack. Vics carelessly lost possession in the middle of the park allowing the ASC forward to advance on the Vics defence and when he laid the ball to the side the striker slammed the ball past the diving Robbie. Vics soon got back on the attack and good wing play by both Crighton and Hood created problems for the ASC defence but on 3 occasions they managed to scramble the ball away preventing Vics with any clear cut chances. ASC were always dangerous on the break but E.Cairney, Ross, Mudie and Eaton kept any efforts to long range shots. Vics should have had a penalty on 30 mins after a poor touch by the ASC keeper was pounced on by Hood who clashed with the keeper inside the box. Too everyone's amazement the referee awarded an indirect freekick to Vics 14 yards from goal. The resultant kick was charged down by the ASC defence and cleared. Vics pressure did pay off however on 40 mins after good play by Paton and Skelly resulted in Skelly being tripped in the box and a penalty kick was awarded. Paton made no mistake from the spot sending the keeper the wrong way. Half time 1 - 1 Vics were forced into a change with Fenwick replacing the injured Hood. 5 minutes into the second half Vics found themselves behind. ASC won a thow in on the left and when the cross came in the ASC striker scored with a free header from 6 yards. Credit to Vics however as from this point onwards they dominated the game with ASC only looking to hit on the break. Midfield was dominated by Paton, Skelly and Hattersly able assisted by wingers Crighton and Fenwick. Chances were being made but none of the clear cut variety. Eaton made a good run down the left but his cross failed to pick out anyone in the box. Vics introduced Croall and Valentine for Hattersly and Crighton. Vics continued to dominate and only a terrific diving saved from the ASC keeper prevented Simpson's 20 yards shot from going in.The keeper then produced another great save this time tipping over the bar from a Valentine strike. Vics continued to push forward but failed to get back on level terms. Final score 1 - 2 Team ; Robbie, E.Cairney, Eaton, Ross, Mudie, Paton, Crighton, Skelly, Simpson, Hattersly, Hood. Subs - Croall, S.Cairney, Valentine, Fenwick, Longmuir Vics deserved a draw at the very least but could not turn their possession into goals. The signs are still very encouraging and only continued hard work and a little bit of luck will ensure that results are turned round ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************* Brechin Vics 0 Lochee Harp 2 Vics were on league duty again this week when Lochee Harp were the visitors. Harp started brightly and had Vics pinned back in the early exchanges. Vics conceded a corner kick on 3 mins and from the resultant corner Harp took the lead with a header from 6 yards. It was 10 mins before Vics got to grips with the game and should have equalised. Eaton and S. Cairney exchanged a couple of passes and when Eaton's cross came in Simpson was left with a free header from 8 yards but the Harp keeper pulled off a great save to push over the bar. Vics were playing some good football at this point with Ross pulling the strings in midfield. An exchange of passes involving Mudie, Simpson and Ross saw play switched to Fenwick who in turn beat his marker before seeing his shot saved from 18 yards. Vics were dominant and again good play involving Ross and Fenwick saw the latter play in Skelly but again the Harp keeper saved his shot. Harp were always a threat especially from set pieces and the Vics defence of Mudie, Eaton, Hattersley and E. Cairney had to be vigilant. This they were and kept any efforts to long range which never troubled keeper Robbie. Vics continued to have most of the possession and played some very neat football on a difficult soft surface. Ross and Valentine combined down the right but Valentine shot failed to trouble the keeper. Vics had a couple corners before the break but were unable to trouble the keeper. Half time 0 - 0 Vics started the second half the way they finished the first on the ascendancy taking the game to Harp right from the start. They produced a couple of early corners but the huge Harp defender were able to clear. Another great piece of play resulted in S. Cairney working his way down the right passed his marker but when his cut back came in it just eluded Simpson and Fenwick and was scrambled away by the Harp defence. Vics again were on top during this period but had keeper Robbie to thank when a slack moment of play allowed the Harp striker a free header from 10 yards but Robbie brilliantly tipped it over the crossbar. Robbie was again in action when he showed great reactions to save a close range Harp effort. Vics got over these slight set backs and continued to out pass the opposition. Valentine was next to try his luck but from 20 yards his shot went wide.Vics replaced Skelly with Paton and it was another good passing move involving Paton, Ross and Simpson which gave Mudie and opportunity and his effort from 25 yards produced a great diving save from the Harp keeper. Vics continued to press but were unable to create that one clear cut opportunity that would have seen them draw level. Vics pushed Hattersly up front the closing stages to bolster the attack but were cut with an injury time sucker punch when Harp broke and although Robbie and Mudie stopped the initial attack the ball rebounded off Mudie straight the Harp winger who crossed for the striker to head home. Full time 0 - 2 Team - Robbie, Mudie, Eaton, E.Cairney, Hattersley, Ross, Valentine, Skelly,Simpson, S.Cairney, Fenwick Subs - Crighton, Paton Nicoll, Bruce, Wilson This was a very good performance by Vics playing some excellent football. Harp scored with their first attack and from the last kick of the game but in between Vics were arguable the better side. Its goals that count however and although Vics created chances and played the better football they were unable to convert any. If they continue with this level of performance then it wont be long before results improve. Vics are at home again on Saturday with a league fixture against Coupar Angus. Kick off is 1.45pm **************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** Brechin Vics 1 Coupar Angus 4 Vics league match survived the snow and kicked off in bright but bitterly cold conditions. The match was very even in the early stages with both sides showing their intentions with all out attack. Vics were looking dangerous down both flanks with S.Cairney and Fenwick causing the Coupar defence problems but the final ball failed to pick anyone out. This was most evident when Fenwick played Simpson down the wing. Simpson drove along the byeline before sending in a great cross but no one made the front post run and the ball flew across the 6 yards box. Coupar were proving a useful outfit and took the lead on 20 mins when Vics failed to clear a cross which landed to the feet of the unmarked striker who shot home into the empty net. Vics battled for the rest of the half and although Ross, Skelly and Paton were having their share of possession in the middle of the park any forward efforts were restricted to long range shots which either went wide or were blocked without troubling the keeper. Vics best chance of the half came from the left hand side with Eaton and Ross combining before the latter played in S.Cairney who with only the keeper to beat the ball took a major bobble and Cairney's effort slipped wide of the target. The second half was much the same as the first with possession fairly even but Coupar looking the more dangerous. Vics had to replace the injured Mudie with Gauld within 12 mins of the restart. Before the defence could get themselves reorganised Vics found themselves 2 goals down. Vics rearguard partially cleared a corner kick but as the ball was played back in it was missed by the defence and found the Coupar striker clear at the back post for the easiest of finishes. Fenwick had to be replaced after a heavy challenge in the middle of the park with Bruce taken over. Vics then had a disasterous 5 min spell when they lost 2 further goals from slack play. Vics suffered a further blow when the injured Simpson had to be replaced by Barclay. Vics continued to attack and probably had their best spell of attacking play when first Skelly had his shot delected inches pas the post with the keeper well beaten. Cairney was next to have an attempt when played thorugh by Valentine but his effort went narrowily past the post. Vics did however get a goal back on 82 mins when a great shot by Paton was parried by the keeper only for Skelly to react quickest to slot the ball home. Before the end Vics had a couple of further chances with Skelly producing a great diving save from the Coupar keeper and Paton with another 20 yard drive having the keeper scramble acroos his goal. Final score 1 - 4 Team - Robbie, Valentine, Eaton, Mudie, E.Cairney, Fenwick, Ross, Paton, Simpson, Skelly, S.Cairney Subs - Gauld, Wilson, barclay, G Bruce, Nicoll After the good perfromance of last week this game fell well below what is required. Although the scoreline slightly flatters Coupar, Vics can have no complaints about the defeat. Even though Vics produced a number of clear cut opportunities they failed to take them and this is a concern. Vics are at home again on Saturday this time on Cup duty when they take on ASC. Kick off for this game is 1.30pm **************************************************************************************************************************************************************** Brechin Vics 2 Arbroath S.C 2 (Brechin Vics won 4 - 3 on penalties) This Redwood Leisure Cup Tie went ahead at the third attempt after the previous matches were postponed because of the weather. In fact this game was in doubt right up to kick off but the referee was happy to proceed. Both teams showed their intentions from the start with Vics first to threaten but Simpson's effort went wide. ASC then went on the attack and Robbie had to be lively to come off his line to collect. ASC had a descent spell and only some last gasp challenges by Mudie and Ross prevent efforts hitting the target. Vics began to take control and another Simpson effort from 20 yards was held by the keeper. Eaton produced a challenge in his own half and when he played the ball up the line to Skelly he cleverly beat his marker before cutting in only to see his shot parried away to safety by the keeper. The midfield of Ross , Paton and Hattersley were now dominating and it was a Ross through ball which again played in Skelly but this time his effort was blocked on the edge of the box. Vics almosty took the lead on 25 mins when an Eaton corner was met by the head of Mudie but his bullet header was cleared by the defender on the line with the keeper beaten. ASC still posed a threat however but Mudie and E.Cairney were winning any ariel battles and were well supported by full backs Massie and Eaton. Robbie then had to deal with a couple of corner kick neither of which caused him to much bother. Vics continued to press and long range strikes by Ross and Paton narrowily went past the ASC post. Another good move down the left saw Eaton and Simpson exchange passes. Eaton then beat his marker and fired the ball across the 6 yards box but unfortunately just out of the reach of any strikers. Half time 0 - 0 ASC started brightly in the second half and for 20 min had their best spell of pressure. Vics defended admirably but could not retain the ball and invited ASC to continue to attack. From one of these attacks Robbie pruduced a great diving save to turn the ball wide for a corner. Vics fell behind from the resultant corner when the ASC player rose highest to head the ball high into the corner of the net. This was enough to shock Vics into action and good wing play from Simpson earned corner kick. From the resultant kick Hattersley just failed to get his head to the ball. Vics equalised and again it was from a neat piece of play. Ross played the ball to Skelly who in turn flicked the ball into the path of the industrious S Cairney who with a tremendous left foot shot smashed the ball high into the roof of the net from 18 yards. Vics introduced fresh legs when Valentine replaced Paton. ASC were still a major threat and it was slack play down the Vics right which allowed ASC to once again take the lead. There winger was allowed a run on goal and when he squared the ball the striker was on hand to slot home form 7 yards, Vics to their credit didn't allow this to upset them and continued to use their passing game and were rewarded on 75 minutes. Valentine won his challenge in the middle of the park and played a great ball through to S. Cairney who showed more hunger and desire than the keeper and slid in to steer his and Vics second goal. Gauld came on for the tiring Massie as Vics pushed for the winner. This almost came with 2 minutes remaining when Simpson crossed to Skelly who's goal bound header produced a great diving save by the ASC keeper. Full time 2 - 2 The match then went straight to penalty kicks. Skelly, S.Cairney, Valentine all scored for Vics.With ASC having 2 misses it was left to Manager Simpson to win the match, this he did by coolly sending the ASC keeper the wrong way (4 - 3 pens). Team - Robbie, Massie, Eaton, E.Cairney, Mudie, Paton, S.Cairney, Ross, Hattersley, Simpson, Skelly Subs - Crighton, Gauld,Valentine, G Bruce, Barclay Both teams must take great credit for producing an exciting game of football on a very wet and slippy pitch. This was one of Vics best team performaces of the seaon with everyone pulling their weight and fighting for one another. Vics probably just about deserved theri victory, on top in the first half and finishing strongly in the second half after a sticky 20 minutes spell. ************************************************************************************************************************************************************** Brechin Vics 1 Broughty Ath 3 Vics were back to League business on Saturday with the visit of table toppers Broughty Ath. Vics expected an initial onslaught from Broughty but were stunned when with their first attack Broughty took the lead. Vics defence cleared a cross ball and when the ball fell to their winger he smashed an unstoppable shoty from 30 yards high into the corner of the net leaving Robbie no chance. Vics regrouped and on 5 minutes had a good attack when Eaton and Metelski (making his Vics debut) exchanged passes down the left. Eaton was played in an when his cross came into the box it just eluded S.Cairney at the back post. Broughty went further ahead on 10 mins when slack defending let in there striker and he slotted home ffom 10 yards. Broughty were the dominant force in the opening 20 mins but gradually Vics worked themselves back into the game. The defence of Mudie, Hattersley , E Cairney and Eaton were getting to grips with their opponents and were begining to build moves from the back. Ross and Paton in the middle of the park were now able to retain the ball and spread passes wide to S.Cairney and Metelski. Vics won a couple of corners but neither troubled the keeper. Skelly and Simpson worked an opening and when Skelly progressed he was crudelly chopped down 25 yards form goal. From the resultant free kick Paton sent in a delightful cross for Hattersley to prod home from 6 yards to bring Vics back into the game. The match was much more even in the closing stages on the half but once again a piece of slack play in not tracking runners resulted in Vics falling further behind. half time 1 - 3 Vics stared the second half in determined fashion and took the game to Broughty. Paton had a excellent shot from 30 yards but the ball just swerved wide of the target with the keeper beaten. Ross and Paton were winning most of the tackles in the midfield and although they worked the ball wide crosses failed to pick out a forward. Metelski had a good run down the left after being played in by Eaton but his cross again failed to pick out Skelly or Simpson. Vics introduced Valentine and Barclay for the injured Paton and Skelly. The game was now concetrated in the middle of the park with little in the way of chances being created. The more experienced Broughty side survived the Vics bout of pressure and came back very strong and created a couple of good chances one in particular producing a great point blank save from Robbie. Vics goal survived another scare this time the woodwork saving them before being cleared by Mudie. There was no further scoring. Full time 1 - 3 Team - Robbie, Mudie, Eaton, E.Cairney, Hattersley, Ross, S.Cairney, Paton, Simpson, Skelly, Metelski. Subs - Valentine, Barclay Broughty showed why they are top of the league with a strong team performance. Vics themselves produced another good team performance and but for a tremendous strike from 30 yards and a couple of slack defending moments there was a lot to be encouraged about. Vics are working hard as a team and are at last competing with the teams at the top . There is still someway to go however and management know the areas that need to be worked on. There is no rest during the holiday period with Vics back in action on Saturday 27th Decemeber with an away match against Arbroath Vics. Kick off 1.30. All the Vics committee, management and players wish everyone a merry christmas and a prosperous and successful new year ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************* Arbroath Vics 2 Brechin Vics 0 Brechin travelled the short distance to meet local rivals Arbroath Vics in this league match Brechin started the stonger and had Arbroath pinned back from the first minute. Crighton won a corner down the right and when Eaton's corner came in Ross headed just wide of the target. Brechin were dominating the early exchanges and Paton had produced a great diving save form the Arbroath keeper from a shot from 20 yards. Brechin were playing some great passing football with Eaton and Metelski combining well down theft. From one of these attacks a neat one two sent Metelski went down the wing and he produced a great cross but just failed to pck out Simpson in the middle. Crighton was next to have a chance when put clear by a Valentine through ball but just as he was to shoot the ball took a an uneven bounce and he srewed his shot wide,. Although Brechin dominated most of the half they had to be vigilant at the back and excellent defended by Massie, Ross , E.Cairney and Eaton meant Robbie only had to deal with only a couple of shots which he dealt with comfortably. Half time 0 - 0 As expected Arbroath came more into the game in the second half and put Brechin under a bit of pressure. Brechin were defending quite comfortable with only a couple of long range efforts on goal neither of which troubled Robbie. Brechin still took the game to Arbroath with S. Cairney being more involved down the right. It was from one of his runs that Brechin had a chance but again the final ball failed to pick out a striker. Arbroath took the lead mid way through the half. Brechin had been on the attack but lost the ball. Arbroath broke up field and although the defence looked to have matters under control the striker turned his man and poked the ball home from 10 yards. Worse was to follow as Brechin fell further behind 5 mins later. A long kick up field wasn't dealt with properly allowing the Arbroath striker a run in on goal which he duly dispatched past the helpless Robbie from 16 yards. Brechin introduced Barclay, Nicoll and Bruce for Massie, Valentine and Paton in an attempt to getr back into the game. To their credit they battled to the end with the best efforts being from a Crighton shot which went just wide and a Simpson effort after being played through by Barclay ,which was blocked by a last ditch tackle. Full time 2 - 0 Team, Robbie, Massie, Eaton, Ross, E.Cairney, Paton, S.Cairney, Valentine, Simpson, Crighton, Metelski Subs , Nicoll, Barclay, G.Bruce, Wilson This was the tale of 2 halves with Brechin dominating the first and Arbroath having the better of the second. The first goal was always going to be vital and unfortunaltely Arbroath succeeded where Brechin failed. Brechin played some excellent passing football but as we are all aware its goals that count. Brechin are at home on Saturday 3rd January 2009 when they entertain Kirrie Thistle. Kick off is 1.30 ******************************************************************************************************************************************** Brechin Vics 1 Downfield 2 Vics had there first league game of 2009 when they entertained Downfield of Dundee. Vics started brightly enough but found themselves a goal down after 4 mins. A ball played in from the left looked harmless enough but a mix-up between Robbie and Metelski saw the ball come of the back of Metelski and into the empty net. Vics tried to get back into the game with Simpson hitting the side netting from 16 yards after being played in by Paton. Vics were looking good down both flanks with Eaton and Metelski combining well down the left and S.Cairney and Mudie doing like wise down the right. It was from one of Eaton and Metelski's inter changes that sent Eaton clear but his cross was just out of the reach of Skelly at the back post. S.Cairney was next to make a run down the wing with his cut back being met by Paton but his effort from 20 yards failed to trouble the keeper. Paton and Valentine were controlling things in the middle of the park and good ball winning presented Paton with another chance but his shot was saved. Vics were dominant at this stage but Ross and E.Cairney were called into make important challenges to keep the Downfield strikers at bay. Vics did equalise on 30 mins when again good play down the left resulted in Metelski playing in an inch perfect cross to Simpson who made no mistake in smashing the ball passed the keeper from 10 yards. Vics continued to have the best of the half but failed to create any further clear cut chances. Half time 1 - 1 The second half started with both teams attacking to try and take the lead with play raging from end to end. It was Downfield who took the lead 7 mins in when their midfielder crashed and unstoppable shot high passed the diving Robbie. Vics continued to play their passing game and again Simpson was presented with a shooting opportunity but once again he hit the side netting. Vics introduced Hattersely for Valentine on 65 mins. Play was probably more even in this half and again Ross and Cairney had to be on their toes to make timely interceptions. Vics continued to press but could not get that clear cut opportunity that they were striving for. Vics introduced Fenwick for Skelly on 75 mins and it was Fenwicks direct running that almost resulted in the equaliser. Fenwick drove into the box and although his shot was blocked it resulted in a goalmouth scramble at one point Fenwick seemed to be impeded by the keeper but the referee waved away Vics claims. Full time 1 - 2 Team, Robbie, Mudie, Metelski, Ross, E.Cairney, Paton, S.Cairney, Valentine, Simpson, Eaton, Skelly Subs Hattersley, Fenwick, Nicoll, G Bruce, Massie, Barclay This was a really entertaining match with Vics very unfortunate not to take at least a point from the game. Vics are playing some excellent football at the moment but as the management are fully aware are lacking that cutting edge in the final third. They management are continuing to look to strengthening their attack in an attempt to get the goals and results that their general play deserves. Vics have an away league match on Saturday 24th January when they travel to meet Kirrie Thistle with a 1.45pm kick off. ************************************************************************************************************************************************************** Kirrie Thistle 0 Brechin Vics 1 Vics travelled to local rivals Kirrie on Saturday in a league encounter. The pitch passed a morning inspection but was still hard in places at kick off. Vics took the game to their rivals and had the best of the opening 10 mins. Simpson had the first opportunity but his well struck effort from 20 yards was saved by the diving keeper. Vics midfield was dominating with the central trio of Skelly, Paton and Hattersley winning most of the tackles and it was from one of Paton's interceptions that he played Simpson throgh the middle and when he played in Skelly he screwed his shot wide from 16 yards with only the keeper to beat. Simpson was then gifted with a glorious oppertunity when the Kirrie Goalkeeper appeared to fumble the ball as he was walking out, the ball fell to Simpson 12 yards out with only the stranded keeper to beat but his shot was inches past the post. Kirrie had their own spell of pressure but found the Vics rear guard of Mudie, Ross, E Cairney and Metelski were in determined mood and prevented any attempts on Robbie's goal. Kirrie won a couple corners but these were cleared by dominant headers by Ross. The only real attempt Kirrie had was when a speculative overhead kick by the Kirrie striker which sailed wide of Robbie's post. Vics gradually got themselve back on the attack and good play down both flanks by Metelski and Eaton on the left and Mudie and Fenwick down the right presented opportunities but once again the final ball was lacking. Paton was next to try his luck but his shot from the edge of the box was charged down. Both teams were finding the frosty conditions difficult to master with the ball bobbling on the uneven surface. Much of the first half was confined to midfield although Vics probably shaded possession. Half time 0 - 0 Kirrie came out in a more determined fashion and had Vics on the back foot for the first 10 mins of the restart. Robbie was called into action for the first time when he made a tremendous diving save from a 22 yards free kick. The resultant corner was cleared. Vics were gradually coming more into the game and another Simpson effort went just wide. Kirrie were reduced to 10 men when on 60 mins a rash tackle from their midfielder was deemed to be a straight red card. It appeared quite a harsh decision but it later transpired that the player also exchanged a few comments to the referree. Strangely enough Kirrie had their best spell of the match after the sending off and again Ross and Cairney had to be on their toes to keep the strikers out. Kirrie did have the ball in the net but the striker was clearly offside as he headed into the empty net. Robbie them made another terrific save diving high to his left to tip over. This was enough to kick Brechin into action and took the lead on 75 mins. Vics had a succession of corner kicks which caused havoc in the Kirrie defence with goal line clearances from Mudie and Simpson efforts and edge of the box shots from Paton and Skelly were blocked. It was from another corner that Vics scored. Mudie's first effort was blocked on the line but Hattersley reacted quickest to slot home from 4 yards. Vics introduced Barclay for the injured Paton. Vics were now in control and should have increased their lead after good play down the right saw Mudie's cross just out of the reach of the diving Simpson. Vics then replaced Skelly with Valentine and it was quick thinking him that played Eaton down the left but when his cross came in there was no takers at the back post. Fenwick had a shot from 18 yards saved as he cut in from the right wing. Eaton was next to have an effort but srewed his shot well wide from 14 yards.Vics had a couple of self inflicted anxious moments in the last couple of minutes but held out for a deserved victory. Full time 0 - 1 Team - Robbie, Mudie, Metelski, Ross, E.Cairney, Paton, Fenwick, Hattersley, Simpson, Skelly, Eaton, Subs - Nicoll, Valentine, Barclay, G Bruce, M.Bruce, At last Vics got the result that their play over the last few weeks has deserved. On a difficult surface Vics continued to try and play their passing game and again created a number of chances. The whole team defended well with the defence worth a special mention in keeping a clean sheet. The result should give confidence to progress and try and get themselves a few places up the league. Vics have a home league encounter on Saturday 31st January against East Craigie. Kick off is 1:45pm ****************************************************************************************************************************************************** Brechin Vics 2 East Craigie 2 Vics were almost at full strength with only the injured Gauld and unavailable Hattersley missing. The match started very evenly with both sides adopting an attacking strategy. Vics were first to threaten but a Paton effort went wide. East Craigie with two tall bustling stikers went for the route one style and as a result Ross and E. Cairney at the heart of the defence were in for a rough afternoon. East Craigie won a couple fo corners but once again Vics defended well and the danger was cleared. Although the pitch was very soft and heavy Vics continued to play the passing game and it was from one of these sweeping moves that Vics should have taken the lead. Skelly and Paton worked the ball wide to Fenwick who beat his man before playing in S. Cairney who's shot from 18 yards was parried by the keeper into the path of Simpson who incredibly put his effort over the bar from 6 yards. Vics were now getting the upper hand and again good play down the right between Mudie and Fenwick resulted in a S.Cairney effort going just wide of the far post. Metelski and Eaton were making good progress down the left and it took a great save by the Craigie keeper to keep the scores blank as he dived to tip over a 20 yards effort from Eaton. Half time 0 - 0 Vics came out in the second half in a confident and determined mood and took the lead on 51 mins. Skelly played the ball wide to Eaton who in turn went passed 2 defenders before picking Simpson out with a cut back from the goal line. Although Simpson's first effort from 16 yards was blocked he remained composed to slam the ball into the net. Vics could have increased their lead but S. Cairney's chipped wide from 20 yards after being played in by Paton. East Craigie were alway dangerous from their direct style of football but Ross and Cairney were holding firm although getting little protection from the ref from late challenges as they cleared. Robbie in the Vics goal was called into a couple of saves but his handling was first class. Vics replaced Skelly with Valentine to give fresh legs in the middle of the park. East Craigie got a goal back on 75 mins and again it was route one football. A long ball was played into the box and for virtually the first time the stiker won the header and the ball sailed over the helpless Robbie. Vics immediately got back on the attack and won a succession of corners but they came to nothing. Vics again were dominant and took the lead with 6 mins remaining. Eaton played a short corner to Fenwick. Fenwick beat his marker before firing in his cross which the Craigie defence failed to deal with and Mudie smashed home an unstoppable shot passed the keeper from 16 yards. As expected East Craigie launched an all out attack and equalised with 2 mins remaining. Fenwick appeared to be pushed in the back as he went for a header but the referee waved play on. As the striker drove in on goal Mudie was the adjudged to have fouled him 20 yards out. As Robbie set up his wall East Craigie took a quick free kick and although Robbie somehow managed to save the first effort the striker reacted quickest to score from 8 yards. Full time 2 - 2 Team - Robbie, Mudie, Metelski, Ross, E.Cairney, Paton, Fenwick, Skelly, Simpson, S.Cairney, Eaton. Subs - Valentine, Nicoll, Barclay, G Bruce, Massie. Vics were unhappy only to get a share of the points after twice being in the lead. A sign of progress is how disappointed the players were with just a point. Although not playing at their best mainly because of a soft and heavy pitch they still felt that they had done enough to get the points. Vics are definitely playing as a team and are willing to battle for the points especially when conditions prevent them playing their passing game. Vics do not have a game this week with the next fixture being on 14th February 2009 with an away league game against Arbroath S.C. This game has a 2.15pm k.o ******************************************************************************************************************************************************** Arbroath Sporting Club 5 Brechin Vics 2
Vics travelled the short distance to Arbroath on Saturday for the league encounter. Although greeted with bright sunshine the pitch was very soft and this together with a gusty wind meant good football would be at a premium.
ASC started on top in the first 15 mins but rarely troubled keeper Robbie. Vics gradually got themselves back into the match and probably against the run of play took the lead. A cross from the right by Simpson was headed clear by the ASC defence only as far as Paton who unleashed an unstoppable volley into the corner of the net from 20 yards. This goal boasted Vics and they started to play some neat football. Mudie and Fenwick combined well down the right as did Metelski and Eaton down the left. It was from one of these moves down the left that led to Vics second goal on 20 mins. Skelly was fouled out on the left and when Paton sent in the free kick Hattersley was first to react to fire the ball home from 10 yards.
Confidence was growing and Ross and E. Cairney were beginning to win most of the ariel contests at the back with any ASC efforts being restricted to long range. Vics almost went three up when Eaton's corner kick came crashing off the post.
ASC started to seriously push to get back into the game in the final 10 mins of the half and Vics were now holding on. Then came a crazy 5 min spell just before half time when Vics conceded 2 goals. The first was from a corner with Vics having at least attempt to clear but failed with the ASC striker eventually prodding home from 4 yards. The second 2 mins later was after Ross blocked the initial shot but the ball landed at the feet of the unmarked striker who shot home form 8 yards.
Half time 2 - 2
The second half with Vics against the wind was a major disappointment with ASC scoring a further 3 goals without reply. The first came 20 mins into the second half and had an element of good fortune when a cross come shot was helped into the net by the strong wind with Robbie helpless. There second of the half was an unstoppable shot from 25 yards with the 3 rd when Mudie and Robbie slid to block a cross from the right only for the ball to break for the striker who shot home from 4 yards into the empty net.
Vics kept going but failed to get any meaningful attempts on goal.
Full time 5 - 2
Team - Robbie, Mudie, Metelski, Ross, E.Cairney, Paton,Fenwick, Hattersley, Simpson, Skelly, Eaton.
Subs - Barclay, M Bruce, G Bruce, Gauld, Trialist
This was a poor performance by Vics after an encouraging last few games. Although not playing at their best Vics got into a 2 goal lead but failed to hold out until half time losing two goals in the last 5 mins. This was the turning point as the past the initiative to ASC for the second half. Vics have the chance to get back on track when they take a break from the league action with a home Redwood Leisure cup tie against Fife outfit Ballingry Rovers. Kick off at Victoria Park is 2.15 pm **************************************************************************************************************************************************** Brechin Vics 0 Ballingry Rovers 5
Vics entertained Fife Premier League outfit Ballingry in this Redwood Leisure Cup tie. Vics found themselves under pressure from the kick off with the defence working overtime.
Vics held firm until 15 mins when a cross from the right was knocked home from 7yards. Vics found themselves 2 goals down after 21 min when a cross was headed into the corner of the net frm 10 yards. Vics worked hard to get back in the game an came close after Ross won the ball in midfield before playing in Eaton whose near post cross was scrambled clear. Vics were getting more into the game with Paton and Ross begining to get the better of the midfield but Simpson and Skelly were finding the Ballingry defence a hard nut to crack.
Vics found themselves a further goal behind when on 35 mins Ballingry scored with a shot from 20 yards.
Half time 0 - 3
The second half started in much the same vein with Ballingry taking the game to Vics. Vics defence of Mudie E.Cairney, Hattersley and Nicoll were working hard but conceded another goal again from a well worked move down the right and when the cross came in the striker had an easy task from 6 yards. Vics introduced Fenwick and Gauld for Nicoll and Paton. Vics had their best spell at this point and efforts from Fenwick and Skelly were dealt with by the Ballingry keeper. Vics made their final change when G Bruce replaced Barclay.
Ballingry completed the scoring on 75 mins when their defender rose to head home and unstoppable effort from a corner kick. In the closing minutes Robbie made a great divng safe to turn away a shot from16 yards.
Full time 0 - 5
Team - Robbie, E.Cairney, Nicoll, Hattersley, Mudie, Paton, Barclay, Ross, Eaton, Simpson, Skelly.
Subs - Gauld, Fenwick, G Bruce, M Bruce, Massie
Disappointing performance by Vics against a good and experienced Ballingry side. Ballingry were very clinical in front of goal although Vics will be disappointed with the way they defended at times. There is no time to feel sorry for themselves as they have an important league match on Saturday 7th March away to Forfar Albion. kick off 2.30pm ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************* Forfar Albion 1 Brechin Vics 3
Vics were back in league action on Saturday when they made the short distance to Forfar to take on the local Albion.
Vics welcolmed back Metelski into the line up after missing last weeks game due to work commitments. It was Vics who were first on the attack with Simpson and Skelly combining but Simpson's effort failed to trouble the Albion keeper.
Albion were next to threaten when a corner kick caused confusion in the Vics penalty box with first Eaton blocking an effort only for the ball to head towards goal before Fenwick cleared on the line. This was probably the only time that Albion caused problems in the first half with the defence of Gauld , E Cairney, Mudie and Eaton on top of their game.
Vics came close on 20 mins when a surging run from defence by Gauld played in Fenwick down the right and his cross come shot just failed to find the target. Ross and Hattersley were now dominating the midfield ably supported down the wings by Fenwick and Metelski. It was from one of Metelski's runs down the left that gave Vics their next chance. He went passed two markers before being up ended just outside the box. fenwicks resultant free kick found Gauld at the back post and his effort just went wide of the goal with the keeper beaten. Gauld had another chance from an Eaton corner but he was adjudged to have fouled the keeper as he challenged for the ball.
Vics pressure finally paid off on 30 mins. Ross again won the ball in midfield , he passed to Skelly who in turn drove passed his marker before playing in Simpson who unselfishly squared the ball to Hattersley who slammed the ball high into the net passed the diving keeper.
Vics continued to have most of the possession in the remainder of the half but a long through ball kept Robbie on his toes as he came rushing from goal to block the effort.
Half time 0 - 1
The second half started in much the same fashion with Vics having most of the possession and looking to add to their lead. Eaton and Metelski combined down the left and when Simpson received the ball he turned his marker and unleashed a shot from 20 yards which the keeper could only parry. The Albion defence struggled to clear and when Ross won the ball he was brought down in the box and a penalty kick was awarded. Skelly stepped up and expertily sent the keeper the wrong was from the spot.
Vics made their first substitution when Paton replaced Gauld who had a good game in his first start back from injury. Paton didn't take long to get into the action when he was tripped 25 yards out. Paton picked himself up and his effort was saved by the keeper at the near post. Vics continued to press forward and had a couple of near things from corners. Albion were not seen too much as an attacking force but the Vics defence were caught out from a long ball over the top which sent the Albion striker clear on goal but Robbie made a great block to prevent a certain goal . Vics made a further cahge when Nicoll replaced the injured Metelski. Vics increased their lead on 75 mins after another good passage of play. A neat exchange of passes between Skelly and Fenwick saw Fenwick play Simpson down the right and when Simpson's cross came in Skelly slid in to send the ball passed the helpless keeper from 8 yards. Vics replaced Simpson with Barclay but this did not alter the nature of the game with Vics looking as if they could add to their lead.
Albion to their credit kept going and got a consolation 2 mins from the end when Vics failed to clear a cross and the striker prodded home from 4 yards.
Full time 1 - 3
Team - Robbie, Gauld, Eaton, E.Cairney, Mudie, Hattersley, Fenwick, Ross, Simpson, Skelly, Metelski.
Subs - Paton, Nicoll, Barclay, G Bruce, Massie
Vics were in the unusual position of being favourites for this game and turned in a very professional performace. Its no coincidence that all 3 goals came after good periods of possession and working the ball into dangerous areas. It was a team performance with everyone working hard for one another. Vics are at home on Saturday 14th March with a league game against Kirrie Thistle. This match has a 2.30pm kick off ********************************************************************************************************************************************************** Brechin Vics 2 Kirrie Thistle 2
Vics were forced to make 3 changes from last weeks winning team with Nicoll & Paton replacing the injured Metelski and Hattersley and S. Cairney replacing the unavailable Fenwick.
Although bright sunshine their was a very strong wind blowing across the pitch
Players of both sides were finding the conditions very difficult to master with most of the paly confined to midfield. Robbie was called into action when he had to tip over a shot from 20 yards. Vics began to settle with Ross and Paton pulling the strings in the middle of the park. Vics took the lead on 22 minutes. Ross won the ball in the middle of the park before playing Simpson down the left. Simpson went past his marker and when his cross came in Nicoll put pressure on the kirrie defender who toe poked the ball past the advancing keeper for an own goal.
Kirrie imediately put Vics under pressure after the goal and E.Cairney and Mudie were forced into last ditch challenges. Kirrie's pressure paid off on 27 mins when they equalised from a corner kick. The ball was swung in wind assisted from the left beating Robbie at the near post as he attempted to punch clear.
Vics regained the lead 10 mins later and it was a defensive mix up that allowed Simpson to score. The ball was played down the right but was charged down by S.Cairney as the defender tried to clear. The ball was then played back to the keeper who saw his clearance charged down by Simpson and the ball ran into the empty net.
Half time 2 - 1
The second half was much the same with both teams trying to play football but with the conditions having a major imput. Eaton and Gauld were trying their best to get down the wings in support of the strikers and it was from one of Guald runs an pass that saw Skelly have a chance. Gauld beat his marker before playing in Skelly who lobbed the keeper only for his effort to sail just past the post. Paton was next to try his luck but his shot from 25 yards was saved by the keeper.
The game turned on it head when on 75 mins Ross was red carded. Ross himself was victim of a heavy challenge and was adjudged to have kicked out as the players picked themselves up after beconing entangled after the initial tackle. A soft sending off that probably no more than warranted a booking. Vics regrouped and were prepared for an onslaught from Kirrie. This happended in the last 10 mins and Robbie twice brought off great saves. Barclay replaced the tiring Nicoll . Vics looked as they were going to hold out for victory but Kirrie equalised from a disputed corner kick award. When the resultant corner kick came in the Kirrie striker saw his header come back off the post only for it to land at the unmarked Kirrie players feet who thrashed th ball home from 10 yards into the empty net.
Vics pushed right to the end but could not muster another attempt on goal.
Full time 2 - 2
Team - Robbie, Gauld, Eaton, E.Cairney, Mudie, Paton, S.Cairney, Ross, Skelly, Simpson, Nicoll
Subs, Barclay, G.Bruce, Massie & Trialist
Probably a draw was the correct result although Vics are dissapointed not to have held onto the lead which they had on two occasions. The players that came into the team played well but the real winner was the conditions with a very strong gusty wind making any good football very very difficult. Vics are again on league duty on Saturday 21st March when they travel to meet Coupar Angus. Kick off for this game is 2.30pm ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ Coupar Angus 1 Brechin Vics 2
Vics were on their travels on Saturday and again had to reshuffle their team because of injuries. Vics were minus Valentine, Hattersley, Metelski and S.Cairney while Gauld injured himself in the warm up.
Vics started brightly and pinned Coupar back in their own half. First effort of the game fell to Simpson and his shot was saved by the keeper. Ross and Paton were working hard in the middle of the park and began to dominate their opposition. It was from one of Ross's winning tackles that allowed Skelly an attempt this time his shot from 20 yards was spilled by the keeper but no Vics strikers reacted and the keeper gathered. Coupar then had a spell of pressure but keeper Robbie dealt with their crosses. The defence of Massie, E.Cairney, Mudie and Eaton restricted any efforts to long range.
Vics finally took the lead on 21 mins and it came from a Coupar corner. They played a short corner but the alert Eaton won the ball on the corner of the box. Eaton the ran almost the length of the park before playing in Paton who smashed an unstoppable shot high into the net form 18 yards.
Coupar had their best spell of the half after this and it took a tremendous Robbie diving save on 28 mins to keep the scoreline blank. E.Cairney and Mudie were now under pressure at the heart of the defence and a great block by Mudie prevented the striker from hitting the target. the resultant corner was headed off the line by Eaton.
Vics got back into the game an started using the wide men of Nicoll and Fenwick. Good play by Nicoll down the left gave Skelly a chance but he just failed to get a proper connection . Fenwick down the right was also causing the Coupar defence allsorts of problems but again his final ball failled to pick out the vics strikers. Simpson had another chance just before half time when headed just wide from and Eaton corner at the back post
Half time 0 - 1
Vics were anticipating a bigger effort form the Coupar side in the second half and were prepared for a battle. Ross and Paton again started to dominate the midfield and provided protection to the defence. Much of the first 10 mins of the second half was played in the middle of the park with little in the way of goal mouth action. Vics introduced a trialist for Massie on 60 mins. Coupar had a succession of corner kicks but the defence dealt admirably with anything thown at them. Coupar were thrown a lifeline on 70 mins when a shot from 20 yards was adjudged to have struck E. Cairney on the arm and the referee awarded a penalty kick. The spot kick was well struck giving Robbie no chance. Vics introduced under 19 player Fotheringham into the fray replacing Nicoll. Fenwick was switched to the left. The game now was fairly even with both sides striving for the next goal. Fotheringham did well down the right and when his cross came in Skelly headed just wide. The play swung to the other end and again Robbie produced a great save diving to his left to save from a shot from 12 yards. Barclay replaced the injured Skelly. Vics retook the lead on 82 mins and it was from the penalty spot. Fenwick made a great run down the left and was crudely upended in the box as he was about cross. Paton stepped up and coolly sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot.
Vics controlled the remainder of the match easily seeing out the remaining 8 mins without Coupar having a single effort on goal.
Full time 1 - 2
Team - Robbie, Massie, Eaton, Mudie, E.Cairney, Ross, Fenwick, Paton, Simpson, Skelly, Nicoll
Subs - Trialist, Barclay, Fotheringham, G.Bruce, M Bruce
This was a workman like perfromace with everyone playing their part. Vics are definately playing as a team and this combined with renewed confidence has seen them have an impressive run of recent results. Vics however have a difficult game on Saturday 28th March when they entertain Arbroath Vics at home with a 2.30pm kick off ************************************************************************************************************************************************************ Brechin Vics 1 Arbroath Vics 2
It was the battle of the Vics on Saturday when Arbroath visted Victoria Park. Vics welcomed back Gauld and S.Cairney. Both teams were facing with a gusty wind which could make passing difficult.
Arbroath were first out of the blocks and had Brechin pressed back in thier own half for the first 20 mins. Mudie had to make a last ditch blocking tackle to prevent the Arbroath stiker from getting an attempt on target. Robbie was the busier of the two keeprs and had to look lively to turn away an effort from 10 yards. Brechin gradually got on the attack but a poor cross from the right after good play by Gauld and Fenwick failed to pick out Simpson in the middle.
Arbroath had the ball in the net on 23 mins but the referee correctly blew for offside as the striker prodded home from 2 yards. This seemed to spur Brechin into action and two minutes later they took the lead. Good pressing play down the left between Eaton and Nicoll allowed Nicoll to win the ball on the edge of the box. Nicoll kept his composure before rolling the ball into the path of Simpson who coolly side footed past the keeper from 12 yards.
Brechin them had their best spell of the half and should have increased their lead when Ross played a great pass to Skelly who in turn lobbed the advancing keeper only for his effort to be srambled off the line by the Arbroath defender. Paton was next to ahve an attempt but his effort was saved at the enar post by the keeper.
Arbroath equalised on 35 mins from a corner kick. The ball was swung in from the left and the Arbroath striker rose highest at the back post to head home.
half time 1 - 1
The second half was a very evenly contested affair with much of the play concentrated in the middle of the park. S.Cairney who had come on for the injured Fenwick just before half time was getting good width down the right but the crosses just failed to pick out Simpson and Skelly. Simpson had another chance from an Eaton corner but failed to make proper contact at tha far post and the ball went wide. Massie replaced Nicoll. Arbroath had moments of their own but found Robbie in good form. The Brechin defence was being well marshalled by E Cairney and were looking fairly comfortable. Skelly had a great chance on 70 mins again after good play down the right and when S.Cairney's cross came in Skelly screwed his shot wide from 10 yards with only the keeper to beat. G Bruce replaced Eaton on 75 mins
It was evident that the next goal was to be the winner and unfortunatley it was Arbroath whoe scored the winner on 80 mins. A shot from 20 yards looked to be covered by the diving Robbie only for the ball to take an uneven bounce before finding the corner of the net
Full time 1 - 2
Team Robbie. Gauld, Eaton, Mudie, E. Cairney, Ross, fenwick, Paton, Simpson, Skelly, Nicoll
Subs - S.Cairney, Barclay, Massie, Fotheringham, G Bruce
A dissappointing result and based on the last few weeks games a below par performance by Brechin. The gusty wind made passing difficult with both sides having difficulty in retaining possession. Arbroath are 2nd top of the league at the moment and there was little between the sides. Arbroath shaded the first half with second half very even. Brechin are on their travels to Dundee on Saturday when they visit Dundee Violet. Kick off 2.30pm ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ Dundee Violet 3 Brechin Vics 1
Vics travelled to Dundee on Saturday to meet third top Violet. The match kicked off in torrential rain a stark contrast from previous weeks,. Violet were first on the attack and keeper Robbie reacted quickest to a through ball. Vics were struggling to put together any meaningful attacks together in the first 20 mins and had to defend for long periods. Robbie again was called into action when he dived full length to turn away a shot from 20 yards. The resultant corner was cleared off the line by Fotheringham at the back post.
At last Vics began to look menacing and Paton had an effort from 25 yards saved by the keeper. Ross was next to try his luck but his shot was charged down just outside the box.
Violet were having most of the play but the defence of Gauld, Mudie, E Cairney and Eaton wre holding firm although at times just by last gasp tackles. Violets pressure eventually paid off on 35 mins when they scored direct from a free kick from 18 yards out after a soft award of a free kick.
Robbie was again called into action agaim turned a deflected shot round his post. Vics tried hard for the rest of the half but were unable to trouble the Violet keeper
Half time 1 - 0
Vics found themselves a further goal down 3 mins into the second half and the goal had an element of good fortune. The Violet striker turned his marker on the edge of the box but slipped as he was taking his shot. The ball was sliced across goal to an unmarked striker who from a suspiciously offside position tapped the ball into the empty net. This seemed to waken Vics up and for the next 30 mins played some of their best football of the match. Vics pulled a goal back on 55 mins when a shot from 35 yards from Paton ended up in the back off the net with the Violet goalkeeper srambling on his knees. Vics were now into their passing game and started to get the ball wide to Fotheringham and S.Cairney. Skelly was next to have an effort but his shot from 20 yards was blocked by the Violet defence. E.Cairney played a long ball over the Violet defence to Simpson but he was pushed wide and his shot from 20 yards failed to trouble the keeper.
Midway through the half Violet extended their lead and again it came from a softly awarded free kick and from 25 yards the ball was sent crashing into the net giving Robbie no chance.
Vics introduced Hattersley and Nicoll for S.Cairney and Fotheringham who can be pleased with his debut. The remainder of the game swung from end to end with Violet looking the more likely to score. Robbie again made a good save diving low and gathered the shot at the second attempt
G bruce replaced Skelly in the closing stages. There was no further scoring
Full time 3 - 1
Team - Robbie, Gauld, Eaton, Mudie, E.Cairney, Ross, Fotheringham, Paton, Simpson, Skelly, S.Cairney
Subs - Hattersley, Nicoll, G Bruce, Massie
Vics found the going very tough in the first half and their performance fell below what is required. They lost 2 goals from set pieces both of which were well executed by Violet. Vics improved after going two down and for a 30 min period looked every but as good as Violet. Over the full ninety however Vics can have no complaints over the final result. Vics again find themselves in Dundee on Saturday when they visit Lochee Harp. Kick off is 2.30pm. ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** Lochee Harp 1 Brechin Vics 0
Vics travelled to Dundee for the second week running and again were minus long term injury casualities Fenwick and Metelski.
The match was played in almost perfect conditions. Vics were first to threaten but Simpson's effort missed the target. Much of the play was confined to the middle of the park where Hattersley and Paton were having their work cut out . Harp had Vics under pressure for a 15 min period and Robbie touched over a shot from 20 yards. A succession of corners were well dealt by the Vics defence.
Vics had a great opportunity to take the lead on 25 mins. A long ball over the Harp defence by Ross saw S.Cairney outpace his marker before squaring the ball to Simpson who from 10 yards failed to connect properly and the ball was cleared to safety. Vics were having a decent spell at this point and another good ball played from defence this time from Eaton allowed Fotheringham a chance but his shot from 18 yards was blocked.
Skelly and Gauld worked a good move down the right but the latters cross was held by the keeper.
Ross and Mudie had to be on their toes at the heart of the Vics defence with both making timely interceptions to halt the Harp attacks
Chances were of a premium at this stage however Harp had another opportunity on 40 mins but again keeper Robbie dived to his left to save comfortably.
Half time 0 - 0
Vics had to make a change at half time when E.Cairney replaced the injured Gauld.. The second half again followed the same pattern with most of the play bogged down in the middle of the park. Harp however took the lead 6 mins into the second half and it was a bad goal to lose. Vics lost possession from a an attack and as a long ball was played into the Vics half Robbie came rushing from his goal only to be lobbed from 25 yards. E. Cairney made an attempt to get back to clear the ball but could only watch in despair as it came off his head and into the empty net.The next 20 mins produced a good spell of pressure from Vics but without really creating any clear cut chances. Fotheringham did well to win the ball down the right and when his cross came in S.Cairney's effort was blocked. Simpson then had a shot from 20 yards but it sailed just over the bar with the keeper beaten. Another good ball into the box from E.Cairney created mayhem in the Harp defence but Vics had no-one to capitalise. Nicoll replaced Paton as Vics tried to get more width into their play.
In between Vics chances Harp produced a couple of good attempts for themselves but found Robbie in good form. His first save was a point blank save as the Harp forward breached the Vics defence and the second saw him tipping over the bar a fierce drive from 20 yards.
Vics did push towards the end but failed to trouble the Harp keeper.
Full time 1 - 0
Team - Robbie, Gauld, Eaton, Ross, Mudie, Hattersley, Fotheringham, Paton, Simpson, S.Cairney, Skelly.
Subs - Nicoll, E.Cairney, Barclay, G.Bruce, Massie
A draw would probably have been the fairest result but vics inability to create clear cut chances must be a worry. The players are working hard enough and some of their play is quite good but its in the final third that they are finding it tough at the moment. There is no easy solution just hard graft and a bit of luck wouldn't go a miss. Vics are at home to Downfield on Saturday 18th April in a Currie Cup 1st round tie. Kick off is 2.30pm ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************** Brechin Vics 0 Downfield 3
Vics were minus no fewer than 7 players for this Currie Cup match. Simpson, S Cairney, M.Bruce and Valentine were unavailable, Metelski and Fenwick were injured whilst Ross was suspended.
Vics started the match positively and created the first opening but Paton srewed his shot wide.
Much of the opening 20 mins was bogged down in the middle of the park with Paton and Skelly holding there own. Hattersley playing wide right was looking a threat and when Gauld played him down the wing he went passed his marker before cutting back only to be out of the reach of strikers Barclay and Fotheringham. Keeper Robbie was called into action and produced a great double save from the Downfield striker. Downfield were at this stage looking dangerous and only another good Robbie save kept the scoreline blank.
Downfield took the lead on 35 mins. Vics lost the ball in the middle of the park with a miss placed pass and the Downfield striker from 30 yards blasted an unstoppable shot past Robbie. Vics almost hit back straight after the kick off when again Hattersley did good work down the right this time the keeper saved his shot low with his feet and the ball was cleared.
Half time 0 - 1
Vics continued to be positive but were finding the Downfield rear guard hard to breakdown. The best chance of the half fell to Barclay when he left his marker for dead but shot tamely into the arms of the keeper from 18 yards. E. Cairney and Mudie were working hard at the centre of the defence and dealing with most that Downfield threw at them until midway threw the half when Downfield increased their lead. A long ball played in from a wide area wasn't dealt with at the back post and their striker had the easiest of tap in's when the ball was haeded back across goal. Vics almost went further behind but for the combined efforts of Robbie and Eaton. Robbie produced a tremendous point blank save with Eaton completing the clearance off the goal line under severe pressure from the Downfield striker.
Vics did however fall further behind on 75 mins when the Downfield winger was allowed to ghost passed 3 Vics players before squaring the ball for the easiest of goals.
Vics replaced Fotheringham with G. Bruce. Brechin continued to press and for a 10 minute spell had Downfield under pressure but failed to create any chances.
Full time 0 - 3
Team - Robbie, Gauld, Eaton, Mudie, E.Cairney, Paton, Hattersley, Skelly, Barclay, Fotheringham, Nicoll
Subs G.Bruce, Massie
The loss of so many players proved too much for Vics. Although the players who came in played well the lack of experience told in the end and Vics can have no complaints of the final scoreline. Vics have their final league game on Wednesday night, 22nd April against local rivals Montrose Roselee. Kick off for this game is 6.45pm |