Brechin close in on play-offs with victory at home to Fifers

BRECHIN EDGED closer to the League One play-off positions with a 3-0 home win over East Fife.

Both teams created chances early on despite windy conditions.

A chip from Ryan Ferguson just cleared the bar, then Kevin Smith cut in from the left and his shot was deflected for a corner by Brechin goalkeeper Graeme Smith.

Gerry McLauchlan made a block from East Fife striker Liam Buchanan on 26 minutes and, a minute later, Brechin led.

A Ferguson cross came back off goalkeeper Greg Paterson, Robert Thomson’s effort was blocked and Bobby Barr steered the ball home.

Smith saved well from Paul Willis, then efforts from Buchanan and Marc McKenzie went narrowly wide of the Brechin goal.

On 41 minutes, a lovely pass from Steven Robb played in Andy Jackson and Brechin’s leading marksman made it 2-0.

East Fife came out fighting in the second half, a Buchanan shot was turned for a corner then a free-kick from Stevie Campbell curled just wide.

But Brechin made it 3-0 on 62 minutes. Thomson broke on the left and, with Paterson out of his goal, the striker planted the ball into the unguarded net.

Four minutes later, a Thomson header was cleared off the line by Buchanan.

Five minutes from time, Brechin went close again when Steven Jackson took a pass from his brother Andy and hit the crossbar.

Delighted Brechin boss Ray McKinnon said: “We are on a good run. Discounting the Rangers game, we have won seven games out of nine.

“We must maintain that to the end of the season and see where it leads us.”

East Fife manager Gary Naysmith said: “I am frustrated as I do not think Brechin had to work hard for their victory and we gave them their goals.”