The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Anguish for Dods at ‘heartbreaking’ goal
Brechin: Late strike leaves Glebe Park men still looking for first Championship win
BRECHIN 0 FALKIRK 1
Brechin manager Darren Dods could not contain his disappointment after a goal in the third minute of added-time from Alex Jakubiak gave Falkirk victory and left the Glebe Park men still looking for their first Championship win of the season.
Brechin were pinned back in defence for most of the game, especially in the final quarter, after a red card was shown to substitute Aron Lynas.
Dods said: “It was heartbreaking to lose a 93rd-minute goal after playing with 10 men for 25 minutes. “Dylan Mackin was excellent. “He gave their back three a hard time and was unfortunate not to score on two occasions.
“Liam Watt is looking sharp. He was out for 12 weeks after breaking a wrist and that held him back, but hopefully that is him back to his best.
“We gave so much and it was a great effort by part-time players who deserved some reward.”
Dods had no problem with the Lynas red-card decision. He said: “Aron left the ground, and when you do that it is a red.
“Some of the yellow cards were a bit soft, however, and it was a case of players losing their footing on a difficult surface.
“That is the best we have played for a few games. We have brought in some quality in Mackin, Callum Morrison and Callum Tapping and I hope they will make a difference in our remaining 12 games.”
Falkirk had the first chance on three minutes. Home keeper Paddy O’Neill came off his line to deny Rory Loy and, with the keeper lying injured, a follow-up shot from Loy was blocked by James Dale.
Brechin defended doggedly to keep the scoresheet blank but might have snatched a goal on 55 minutes. Morrison crossed from the right and Mackin failed to connect with the keeper to beat.
Brechin sent on Lynas for Dale in 65 minutes to prevent him collecting a second booking, but just three minutes later it was Lynas who was sent packing for a foul on Tom Taiwo.
On 72 minutes a back header from Jordan McGhee was clawed away by O’Neill, then Brechin almost scored when Sean Crighton headed just wide from a Watt corner.
The 10 men held on against wave after wave of Falkirk pressure, and Joe McKee shot wide. Then, in the first minute of added time, Aaron Muirhead headed into the side netting.
Falkirk won the game in the dying seconds when Jakubiak poked the ball into the corner after a goalmouth scramble.
We gave so much and it was a great effort by part-time players who deserved some reward. DARREN DODS