McKinnon takes heart from performance

Queen of the South 1 Brechin City 0

BRECHIN CITY’S fivegame unbeaten run in the league halted as the leaders Queen of the South bounced back from their first defeat last midweek to extend their advantage at the top.

A single goal from Dan Carmichael midway through the first half was all that separated the teams in what was a fairly even encounter at Palmerston.

Glebe Park manager Ray McKinnon took heart from his side’s performance — if not the result.

He said: “I am very proud of my players and the way they performed.

“We are taking huge positives from this game.

“We looked a completely different side.”

City started brightly, perhaps spotting a chink in the Doonhamers’ armour following their defeat at Alloa.

Kurtis Byrne threatened twice in the opening five minutes, first curling a free-kick just wide and then making good space in the box a minute later to slide a dangerous ball across the six-yard line before the home defence scrambled clear.

At the other end Michael Andrews made a fine stop from Willie Gibson.

This was the first in a long line of saves from the keeper which must surely cement his claim on the number one jersey.

Minutes later, Andrews was quick off his line to deny Car michael as the young winger burst through into what looked a dangerous goalscoring position.

He was, however, powerless to stop the winner in 21 minutes after Derek Lyle and Nicky Clark combined to set up Carmichael who smashed the ball home.

As the second half wore on Brechin had several chances to level, the best of which fell to substitute Scott Dalziel who blazed over the bar on the final whistle.

Michael Andrews was in fine form for Brechin.