Depleted City unable to get going after losing opening goal

INVERNESS CT 3 BRECHIN CITY 0

Brechin City went down to a 3-0 defeat at Inverness in their opening Betfred cup-tie, with the home side totally dominant for virtually the entire 90 minutes.

City were handicapped by the fact they were minus no fewer than six first-team regulars through a combination of injury and suspension and to be frank, they were never at the races against their slick-moving opponents.

City started the match brightly enough but once the Highlanders grabbed the lead after 21 minutes, when Gary Warren headed home a Liam Polworth corner, there was only one team in it.

Warren added a second goal 11 minutes before the break following an Iain Vigurs free-kick and Vigurs was the provider again 13 minutes into the second-half when George Oakley headed home his cornerkick to wrap up a decisive home win.

City manager Darren Dods was philosophical about the result and his side’s performance at the end of the 90 minutes.

“We always knew that it would be very difficult coming here but it was nevertheless very disappointing to lose such cheap goals, all coming from set-pieces,” he said.

“When you step up a league, set-pieces are going to be vital and Inverness, with their height advantage are very good at that particular aspect.

“Once Inverness scored the first goal they settled down and passed the ball about well but you have to remember that they were in the SPL last season and were cup winners the season before so it’s a big gulf for part-time players to bridge. It was hard going for most of the 90 minutes but the pleasing thing was that the players kept at it and despite the defeat they’ll learn from it.”

Next up for Dods’ side is a home clash with neighbours Forfar Athletic at Glebe Park tomorrow night.