Brechin City were dealt a blow in the relegation stakes on Saturday with Cowdenbeath running out deserved winners of a dour struggle at Glebe Park.
The result itself wasn't as worrying as the manner of the performance itself. City simply never got going in top gear, after Cowdenbeath were handed the lead with the award of a first-half penalty.
Brechin had chances early on, most notably throu
gh Charlie King who fired over from just inside the box and also had a volley blocked. Byers showed industry to cut in from the right, but he too met with a blue wall, that he was unable to get through.
City went to seleep at a throw in, which led to the penalty kick. John Dempster stepped up and made no mistake from the penalty spot.
The game took on a pattern from here on in. Codenbeath soaked up everything Brechin could throw at them and were comfortable to hit occasionally on the break. The Blue Brazil immediately changed their formation t0 4-5-1 after taking the lead and put together what was more of a thick blue line than a thin blue line.
It wasn't until 32 minutes into the second half, that former City goalkeeper, David Hay, was tested. Substitute Michael Paton forcing him into a save from his 20 yard drive..At the other end Craig Nelson had to be on his toes to prevent Cowdenbeath increasing their lead from a miscued Scott Walker pass back.
Both sides had subsequent penalty claims turned down. Another City sub, Richard Walker, being told to get up and get on with it" after he side-stepped a couple of challenges inside the penalty area.
Paul McQuade was also shown a yellow card for "simulation" after going down in the penalty area. Brechin's last chance of the game fell to Kevin Byers, who side-footed wide after getting on the end of a cross from the left. Alas, this perfectly summed up City's day.
Brechin: Craig Nelson, Murie (Richard Walker 70), White, Scott Walker, Stuart Callaghan (Dyer 54), Byers, Adam Nelson (Paton 60), Fusco, Darren Smith, Calum Smith, King.
Subs Not Used: Ward, McCluskey.
Cowdenbeath: Hay, David Armstrong, John Armstrong, Hill, Adamson, Mark Ramsey, O'Neil, McBride, McQuade, Dempster, Bingham (Manson 79).
Subs Not Used: Robertson, Cennerazzo, Young, Allison.
Booked: McQuade.
Att: 432
Ref: E Smith
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