Brechin 1-0 Ross County MATCH REPORT.

Last updated : 02 May 2004 By Steven Mew
City played a 3-5-2 formation. Brechin started with Kevin Budinauckas between the sticks as 1st team goalkeeper Davie Hay was out injured. Andy Dowie, Jamie Smith and Scott McCulloch started in defence. The midfield consisted of Paul Deas, Marc Millar (who were both playing a defensive role), Craig Winter, Charlie King and Ally Mitchell. Chris Templeman and Graham Gibson started upfront.

Brechin were on top throughout and their first real chance fell to Marc Millar, as his 35 yard dipping volley hit the top of the crossbar.

County's first chance came after 20 minutes when a drive from promising midfielder John Rankin which was well saved by stand in keeper Kevin Budinauckas, who has been impressive in recent weeks.

Brechin hit the bar once again after 33 minutes as a diving header from Scott McCulloch hit the bar from Charlie King's flighted corner.

The bar took another beating just a minute before the break, but it came from Ross County this time as a Canning header hit the woodwork.

Brechin hit the woodwork once again in the second half as Templeman turned and got past his defender, but his shot hit the underside of the bar.

But in the 1st minute of stoppage time, Brechin finally got a deserved winner as Scott McCulloch's free kick was palmed to the feet of Graham Gibson, who prodded in from close range. This was his 2nd goal in 2 games, his first being the equaliser against Queen Of The South at Palmerston Park.

But the result elsewhere between St Mirren and Raith Rovers at Love
Craig Winter
Street now means Brechin are now officially relegated. Ayr United are not relegated yet but they face a real up-hill struggle to survive.

BCA's Man Of The Match goes to Craig Winter, the former Cowdenbeath man has a tireless work-rate and never gives up, never put a foot wrong all game, he deserves his award after scoring some crucial goals recently at both Palmerston Park and Love Street.

Referee- Ian Fyfe, Linlithgow.

Attendance- 463.

Both Stranraer and Stirling Albion will meet us in division 2 next season as they both confirmed promotion from the 3rd division yeserday, Stirling won 3-0 away to East Stirling and Stranraer defeated promotion rivals Gretna 3-2 at Stair Park. They will both scrap it out for the Championship Trophy.