Brechin City v Clyde

Recap

Clyde suffered yet another damaging defeat as Brechin City came from behind to take three points without ever really playing well themselves.

Jordan Allan was given his second start of the season in place of the suspended Callum Reidford, whilst Marvyn Wilson replaced Jordan White as Clyde switched to a 3-5-2 system. Throughout the first half, this looked like a good decision as Brechin’s lack of width ensured that the Bully Wee had the better of things. That said, the home side had a couple of early half chances but Allan did well to deny Kevin Byers. The away team created the best chance of the opening period of the game, as McLachlan’s run forward saw him outmuscle Willie Dyer and set up Adam Strachan but the makeshift striker only managed to float a bizarre effort across the face of the goal when a strike on target would have seriously tested Craig Nelson. Dyer was then substituted having picked up what looked like a serious injury following the collision with McLachlan.

McLachlan then had another effort that went high over the crossbar but Clyde were to take the lead with a nice goal. Some good build-up play ended with a cross towards Kris Doolan at the back post but despite Brechin winning the header, they could do nothing about Aleks Gramovics’ excellent left-footed volley that fizzed underneath Nelson.

The home side almost earned an undeserved equaliser before the break but although Steven Canning’s shot beat Allan, Neil McGowan reacted quickly to hook the ball off of the goal-line.

Although Brechin made no substitutions at the interval, a tactical switch saw them dominate the second half. However, they received a slice of luck as Willie Kinniburgh’s block on a Rory McAllister shot ended with the Clyde captain picking up an injury. Whilst he was off the park, Charlie King was presented with a glorious chance to score the leveller but Allan was quickly off his line to make a fine save. Remarkably, despite struggling to run, Kinniburgh was left on the pitch and Clyde started to defend deeper as the minutes ticked by. On the break, Doolan headed just over the bar from a Strachan cross but Brechin came even closer with a curling shot by McAllister that thumped against the bar.

Brechin City got the equaliser they deserved in the 68th minute as Mark Docherty’s shot came back off the post and into the path of McAllister. The league’s top scorer was never likely to miss an open goal. For whatever reason, Clyde then chose to change their formation to a 4-4-2 and within a couple of minutes, Brechin had completed the turnaround. A long ball forward saw McAllister get the wrong side of McGowan and the Clyde defender ended up fouling the striker on the edge of the box. The referee awarded a penalty, which McAllister converted and McGowan was correctly sent off.

Clyde threw on Willie Sawyers and Connor Stevenson for Gramovics and Wilson in an attempt to get themselves back in the match but with confidence once more at rock bottom, Brechin predictably netted a clincher on the break. A good passing move saw King released and his neat chip gave Allan no chance. Indeed, Clyde were indebted to their ‘keeper for a fine save from Docherty’s shot to keep the score respectable. The final chance fell to Stevenson but he was denied by McLean’s tackle as he lined up a shot from 10 yards out.

This was another game where Clyde should have taken something given their ease in taking a half-time lead, however, they lacked energy and quality in a match where three points was essential.