City finally put an end to long losing streak by seeing off Sons

Brechin City brought their long losing run to an end with a narrow 1-0 home victory over fellow League One strugglers Dumbarton.

The winning goal came deep into stoppage-time when central defender Jordan Tapping forced the ball over the line following a goalmouth scramble.

Up until those dying seconds it looked as if the game would be heading for a 0-0 scoreline with the Sons having to play for just over half an hour with 10 men after Michael Paton, who enjoyed a loan spell at Glebe Park 10 years ago, was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

The visitors didn’t sit back, however, and shortly afterwards they very nearly grabbed the lead when City keeper Paddy O’Neil brought off a great save from an Andy Dowie header.

However, City battled hard and continued to press the visitors’ defence and they got their reward with Tapping’s goal with virtually the last kick of the ball.

It was City’s first victory since their 4-0 win over neighbours Forfar Athletic in early November with the team going down to seven successive defeats since then but manager Barry Smith hopes that Saturday’s crucial win against the Sons will prove to be a turning point.

“The players worked really hard and played some good football, especially in the first half when we created a couple of chances and hit the bar but there was never a better time to score the winning goal,” he said.

“It’s never easy when a team goes down to 10 men.

“Dumbarton have experience and know how to play the game so it was very difficult to break them down.

“They got bodies back in and they were always a threat on the break with our keeper bringing off a very good save at a very important time for us.

“The boys showed great patience and they got the result in the end which will hopefully prove to be a turning point which we can move on from.”

Jordan Tapping was hero as his goal ended long losing streak.