Tale of two cities no happy ending for Hedgemen

Brechin City’s resurgence came to an end at Borough Briggs.

Despite injury, illness and suspension worries, hopes were high that Brechin could make it a hat-trick of wins following consecutive victories over Stirling Albion and Cowdenbeath.

But Elgin’s victory leaves Brechin still propping up the League 2 table, three points behind second-bottom Stenhousemuir.

Brechin boss Mark Wilson felt that his players deserved to take something from the match.

“It’s been a really tough week for the players,” he said.

“They’ve been struggling with illness and bugs which has affected so many people and we had a lastminute call-off this morning with Scott Reekie pulling out through sickness

“On top of that we had injuries and suspensions to deal with and a couple of the lads who played from the start weren’t 100%.

“It was inevitable therefore that we had to shuffle the pack a wee bit.

“We had to play Ross Brown at centre-half and I thought that he performed very well but even he was sick at half-time.

“However, the boys rolled up their sleeves and got on with it and I really felt that we deserved to take something from the match.

“I felt that we were good for long spells but unfortunately we didn’t trouble their goalkeeper enough when we were on top and the goals we conceded were slightly easy which was annoying.

“Having said that, I can’t fault the boys.

“Despite all the difficulties we faced prior to the match, they gave it a real go and were unfortunate not to take a point.”

Former Arbroath striker Kane Hester fired the hosts into the lead in the 24th minute with fellow striker Shane Sutherland adding a second goal from the penalty spot 15 minutes into the second half after Brown had brought down Conor O’Keefe in the box.

Brechin gave themselves a lifeline with five minutes remaining when substitute Matthew Knox converted from the penalty spot. But as Brechin went all out for a lastgasp equaliser they left themselves exposed at the back and Elgin sub David MacKay scored a third.