Draw enough to put Brechin in top four

BRECHIN CITY 0 STRANRAER 0

Brechin were forced to settle for a point after a hard-fought goalless draw against Stranraer.

However, manager Darren Dods was able to reflect on the fact that the result sees his side climb back into the top four with two games to play.

Dods said: “Other results went for us. I knew it was going to be a difficult game and we went into it with several suspensions and injuries, but the 11 who started were excellent.

“The two teams cancelled each other out and there has not been much between Stranraer and ourselves this season.

“They are a big side and were a threat at corners, while the side I fielded was possibly the smallest I have ever managed.

“We had the best chance of the game through Finn Graham, but the keeper made a great save.

“The division is very tight with the four teams from third to sixth (East Fife, Brechin, Airdrie and Queen’s Park) all on 46 points.

“We are at home next week (to Albion Rovers) then finish away to Stenhousemuir. It is just as tight as it was last season when we escaped from the bottom places.

“We know that if we win our two games we should be there.”

In an even first half, Brechin had the better chances. On nine minutes, Alan Trouten worked a one-two with Andy Jackson and was denied by Stranraer keeper Cameron Belford.

On 20 minutes a flick by Jackson played in Ally Love and his drive was saved.

A Liam Watt free-kick curled wide, then a shot from Graham was just kept out by Belford.

Just after the restart a free-kick from Willie Gibson was saved by home keeper Paddy O’Neil.

On 70 minutes a Jackson cross found Graham, and Belford brought off a diving save.

Having had most of the game, Brechin almost lost it five minutes from time. Gibson swung in a corner and Morgyn Neill rose to head inches over.