Spartans, who are well known 'giant killers' in the Scottish Cup, were 1-0 up at half time thanks to a neat goal from youngster Omar Kader, and could have added a second when striker Keith McLeod hit the side netting for the home side.
City gaffer Michael O'Neill made 5 changes at half time, and 2 of the subs scored in the second half to give City victory.
City upped the tempo in the second half and were soon level when Craig McEwan broke through the heart of the Spartan's defence to score with a close range shot, despite Ross Taylor's best efforts to keep it out.
On the hour mark, David White, on for John Ward at half time, put Brechin ahead when he rose to head Stuart Callaghan's corner powerfully into the net.
Barely give minutes later, White sealed victory for Brechin when he headed past Brown at the back post.
Overall, a good workout for the side who face a tricky test on Saturday when they play a greatly strengthened Montrose side at Glebe Park. Kick off is 3:00pm.
Spartans:- Taylor (Brown 55), Steele (Gerrard 46), Fowlie, Campbell, Seeley, Motion (Bannon 72), Smart (Burns 55), Bennett (Johnson 55), Kader (Antoni 55), McLeod (Wrightson 72), Henretty.
Brechin:- Nelson, Archibald, Ferguson, Ward (White 46), Walker, Devlin (Johnson 46), King (Russell 46), Callaghan, Hampshire, Geddes (McEwan 46), Smith (Strachan 46)