Brechin boss proud of team’s efforts

As has been the case on a number of occasions this season, Brechin gave their all against high-flying opponents, only to emerge with nothing.

Champions-elect St Mirren came to Glebe Park hoping for a title party but were made to fight all the way for the points.

Saints also needed closest challengers Livingston to drop points to be champions, but with Livi beating Morton 3-2, the Paisley side now visit Tannadice tomorrow still needing a point to pop the Champagne corks.

Brechin boss Darren Dods was proud of his men saying: “In the first half we were nervous and we struggled in the first 10 minutes.

“We settled down and in the second half we were excellent.

“We gave our all as usual. We worked their keeper and got crosses into the box against the champions in waiting.

“I didn’t want them to win it on our pitch, but, since we lost, I suppose it didn’t matter.

“The St Mirren fans created a great atmosphere and it was a good game.

“We had a shout for a penalty. Isaac Layne insists he was pulled but the referee didn’t give it. I would certainly like to see it again.”

Cheered on by a big support, St Mirren took the initiative from the start and opened the scoring on seven minutes. Kyle Magennis collected a throw-in on the left before smashing the ball home from 20 yards.

Brechin dug in and almost shocked the Saints on 28 minutes when Jordan Sinclair’s shot clipped the bar.

The hosts were happy to go in 1-0 down at half-time and began the second half determined to have a go. Sinclair had a shot deflected for a corner, then Finn Graham had a 30-yard drive saved.

On 57 minutes, Layne robbed Gary Mackenzie and appeared to be pulled back inside the box, but the referee waved away home appeals.

St Mirren had chances to wrap up the points but Brechin refused to lie down and Dylan Mackin and Calum Morrison both went close.

Isaac Layne: penalty claims waved away.