The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Point and praise for hard-working City
CHAMPIONSHIP: Brechin’s commitment impresses boss Dods
BRECHIN CITY 2 LIVINGSTON 2
Brechin manager Darren Dods praised the work-rate and commitment of his side after the Glebe Park men came from two goals down to earn their first Championship point of the season against Livingston.
“I felt that we were really unfortunate to go in at half-time two goals behind,” he said.
When the scoreline was 0-0, Neil Alexander brought off a fantastic save to deny Andy Jackson and shortly afterwards Livi grabbed the lead.
“It was a real sickener to lose a further goal just a minute before the break but we spoke to the players at half-time and asked them for a performance in the second-half.
The energy and work-rate they showed for a part-time team was incredible and two great finishes won us a deserved share of the points.
“We were playing down the hill in the second half which is always our favourite end and we always seem to have the selfbelief that we’ll score when we play that way.
“We can squeeze teams in playing down the hill and I think it’s always been a tradition for City teams to do better when we’re playing in that direction.
“I remember coming here as a player playing against City and we always seemed to find it difficult when they were playing towards that end.
“The performance today was typical of the displays we were putting in towards the end of last season and we have to ensure that we keep that going in the difficult games ahead.”
The early stages of the match were evenly balanced and keenly contested but City were unfortunate not to grab the lead in the 12th minute when Livi keeper Alexander brought off a great save, tipping a close-range Jackson shot round the post.
The visitors then upped the pressure and they grabbed the lead in the 25th minute when Dylan Mackin picked up a loose ball in the Brechin box and fired home a right-footed drive.
The hosts battled hard to get back into the match but they were dealt a bodyblow just a minute before the break when Alan Lithgow collected a short throw-in wide on the left and crossed into the box where Scott Pittman was first to react, side-footing the ball past keeper Graeme Smith.
The home side were left with a mountain to climb in the second-half but they rolled up their sleeves and put immediate pressure on the Livi defence.
It paid off nine minutes into the half when Kalvin Orsi picked up a long ball from defence, neatly side-stepping Craig Halkett, before blasting a superb rightfooted shot into the top corner of the net giving Alexander no chance.
Dods’ side kept up the momentum and they deservedly levelled seven minutes later when Jackson picked up the ball on the left and crossed for Finn Graham who drilled the ball into the bottom corner.