Stenhousemuir FC v Brechin City

Stenhousemuir v Brechin City at Ochilview Park, Stenhousemuir on 6.11.10

Irn Bru Scottish Second Division                               Att 491

Stenhousemuir 0 Brechin City 0

 

The Warriors made a number of changes in the starting eleven for this game against league leaders Brechin City. A mixture of tactical and enforced changes meant that Ally Brown and debutants Michael McLennan and Ally Love who had both signed on loan from St.Mirren earlier in the week came into the starting eleven.

 

Despite these changes the Warriors started the game brightly and Craig Nelson had to make a fine stop at his right post from a Paul Quinn diving header. This proved to be the only time in the first half that the Brechin custodian was tested.

 

Brechin had a glorious chance to take the lead in the 10^th minute when they were awarded a penalty when Gerry McLaughlan was deemed to have been fouled and referee Eddie Smith had no hestitation in awarding the spot kick. Neil Janczyk deputising for the suspended Rory McAllister stepped up to strike the penalty only to see his shot saved by Brown who throughout the game set a marker for the number one jersey.

 

Stenhousemuir came close to making the breakthrough in the 15^th minute when Nelson punched out a Stevie Murray corner kick that fell to the edge of the box and Grant Anderson struck a first time effort that went just past the post.

 

Brechin were gradually taking a grip on the game though especially down the left flank and Callum Booth was unlucky not to rewarded when a driving run saw his cross come shot just squeak past the post. More pressure down the left saw Byers cause problems but his cross went a begging when it just needed a touch.

 

Although having to play most of the game in their own half the Warriors did cause problems in the 22^nd minute when a Willie Lyle cross was almost turned into his own net by Ewan Moyes. At the other end Ally Brown was grateful to clutch a Janczyk free kick under pressure.

 

Just before the end of the half Stenhousemuir had their best spell of the game with Jordan Smith unable to hit the target after Moyes once again came close to putting the ball into his own net and this was followed soon afterwards by a Smith header over the bar from another set play.

 

Brechin came out for the second period with purpose and only Brown’s legs denied Booth the opener. As the game progressed though both sides struggled to see their attackers get on top with the keepers only being called into action for long range efforts, Thomson with qa couple of attempts that were comfortably saved by Nelson and Brown denying Gary Fusco. Brechin were unlucky when a Paul McLean run and cross was just missed by Anthony Bolger and Craig Molloy when once again a touch would have resulted in a goal, whilst Paul Quinn should have done better than a fresh air swipe after Murray and Grant Plenderleith combined to create an opening.

 

The final whistle blew eventually blew without either team scoring which not surprising as both defences limited the chances for strikers throughout the game. This was the second time the teams have met in the league this season and the second time it has been goalless but this match was a more entertaining one than the game at Glebe Park earlier in the season.

 

Stenhousemuir – Brown, Lyle, Thom, Gibb, Smith, M.McLennan , Anderson [Plenderleith 67], I.Thomson, Quinn [b36], A.Love and Murray [b62][Stirling 81].

Subs not used – Motion, S.Love and J.McLennan

 

Brechin City – Nelson, McLean, Cook, McLaughlan, Moyes, Janczyk [Docherty 82], Fusco, Molloy [b69], Byers [Bolger 68], McKenna [Archdeacon 87] and Booth.

Subs not used – Redman and Scott

 

Referee – Eddie Smith                      

Assistants – Kevin Graham and Stuart Hodge