Brechin City v Hamilton Academical

Last updated : 04 August 2005 By BCM
Brechin take on Hamilton Accies at home in the opening match of the new 2005/06 1st Division campaign.  It will certainly be a tough match, on the day when City will unfurl the 2nd Division Championship flag.  Hamilton have strengthened greatly during the summer and are expected to be challenging the likes of St Mirren, St Johnstone and Dundee for the title.

Over the course of the summer, Accies have signed  John Robertson (Ross County), Stuart Balmer (Clyde), Brown Ferguson (Alloa), Marvyn Wilson (Airdire), Alex Neil (Mansfield), Tom Bennett (Kidderminster), Mark Gilhaney (Clyde), Ian Harty (Clyde),  and Graeme Jones (Clyde).  A few that strike me in particular are Brown Ferguson, Marvyn Wilson and Ian Harty.  Brechin fans saw plenty of Brown Ferguson last season where he starred for Alloa, and often ripped our defence apart.  In the season 02/03 Brechin came up against Marvyn Wilson & co at Airdrie and proved difficult to beat, with Marvyn scoring a few goals along the way and finally Ian Harty, who is well known for his excellent goalscoring record at both Stranraer and more recently Clyde.

Accies are expected to start with the highly rated goalkeeper David McEwan between the sticks.  John Robertson and Mark McLaughlin should start at right and left back respectively, while Steven Thomson and Stuart Balmer are expected to be the two centre backs.  The midfield should consist of Brian Carrigan, Brown Ferguson, Marvyn Wilson and Lee Hardy while experienced hitman Pat Keogh and Ian Harty should pose a threat upfront.

Some statistics:
In total, Brechin have won 20 matches against Hamilton, drawn 18 and lost an incredible 45, so history isn't on our side then!

Previous Matches:
2002/2003-Hamilton 2-2 Brechin

2002/2003- Brechin 4-1 Hamilton

2002/2003- Hamilton 1-2 Brechin

2002/2003- Brechin 1-0 Hamilton

So recent matches has gone our way then...

How will it go?

This certainly has the makings of an entertaining game, Hamilton are a very strong outfit but Ian Campbell almost has a full squad and with home advantage, you can't rule Brechin out...

Brechin 2-2 Hamilton