Thumping win gives Smith a dream start

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.”