Thumping win gives Smith a dream start

Brechin gave Barry Smith a dream start to his tenure as manager with a 4-0 trouncing of Angus neighbours Forfar.

Forfar missed a chance to take the lead on 23 minutes when Dylan Easton had a penalty saved by Conor Brennan and the Brechin gaffer admitted that proved crucial.

Smith said: “It was a great penalty save and that gave us a lift, but overall our effort and work rate was tremendous.

“I have only had two days working with the players and there is only so much you can do, but our organisation was second to none.

“I have told my players that they have set a standard and they must maintain it going into next week’s very difficult game against Arbroath.”

Andy Jackson turned in a man of the match display with two goals and an assist and the manager added: “Andy is a goalscorer. I told him to stay within the width of the box and he will score.

“His second goal was outstanding, with great movement between two defenders and a great finish.”

Kalvin Orsi had the first chance for Brechin on 10 minutes when he went on a solo run and shot just wide. Aron Lynas was judged to have handled an Easton cross to give Forfar their penalty, but Brennan dived to his right to save.

Brechin celebrated the let-off with a goal on 27 minutes. Jackson beat a defender inside the box and drilled home a low shot.

On 33 minutes, a glorious through ball from Calum Tapping found Jackson and the striker supplied an equally fine first-time finish.

Brechin were in dreamland two minutes later as Jackson broke on the left and crossed for Lynas to score.

Forfar needed a goal early in the second half but Brechin held firm. The visitors were out of luck on 67 minutes when a swerving shot from Dale Hilson came back off the bar.

Easton was the main threat for Forfar and on 80 minutes he beat a man and shot just wide. Brechin put the icing on the cake with a fourth goal on 82 minutes. Dougie Hill headed a corner against the bar and Cameron Blues tapped home.

Forfar boss Jim Weir said: “We started well and were on top. We had a great opportunity with the penalty and I am disappointed we didn’t take advantage.

“Our old Achilles heel struck again when we switched off defensively and incredibly found ourselves 3-0 down at half-time.

“Andy Jackson was the difference between the teams with a couple of bits of brilliance, but the way we defended was ridiculous. That has been the case all season and the reason why I have had to chop and change at the back.”