Ryan Ferguson Strikes Late to Hand Brechin City Victory Over Banks o' Dee at Spain Park
Key Highlights :
Brechin City maintained their impressive start to the season with a 1-0 victory over Banks o' Dee at Spain Park, courtesy of Ryan Ferguson's 90th minute strike. The Hedgemen were only behind league leaders Formartine United on goal difference, and Andy Kirk praised his side's work ethic after the hard-fought win.
The match was played in rainy and windy conditions, making it difficult for both sides to create chances. Brechin came close to taking the lead as early as the first minute, when Kevin McHattie's cross from the left rebounded off the junction of post and crossbar. McHattie also tested Banks o' Dee goalkeeper Andy Shearer with a well-struck free-kick which skidded off the sodden surface, while Grady McGrath was twice denied by the Dee custodian in the first period.
In the second half, Banks o' Dee had the wind in their favour but found it difficult to test Brechin goalkeeper Lenny Wilson. The best opening for the hosts came when Lachie MacLeod got the better of Euan Spark, but Wilson was out smartly to smother as MacLeod went to pull the trigger.
In the final minute of normal time, Brechin won the match. Shearer picked the ball up under no pressure, but referee Dan McFarlane deemed that it had been passed back to him. When the indirect free-kick was touched to Ferguson he curled a shot into the right corner.
Banks o' Dee co-manager Josh Winton said: “I’m disappointed with the result but we were pleased with the level of performance, I thought we were very good. To a man I thought the boys were excellent, but the goal is disappointing to concede so late on.”
The result puts Brechin in a strong position in the league, and Kirk was delighted with the result: “We knew it would be a tough game because Banks o’ Dee are a strong team. I think everyone watching probably thought it was going to end up as a draw. Football’s a strange game which can turn at any moment and one of the beauties of our team is they never stop and keep going to the end.”
The victory is a testament to Brechin's work ethic and determination, and they will be hoping to continue their strong start to the season.
