Gus MacPherson went with the same lineup that saw off St. Johnstone twice in four days, or at least that was the plan. However, goalkeeper Craig Hinchcliffe has been carrying a knee injury for ten days or so, and it flared up during the pre-match warm up. Result? Chris Smith replaced him in goals and Saints had the benefit of just four subs.
As expected, Brechin came to Love Street for a point, though they did have a few chances in the first half. For some reason, former Saint Ally Mitchell chickened out of a header he could easily have made and danger passed, whilst a waltzing run from another Brechin player strangely ended with no shot being made.
In the main, though, it was all Saints, with Simon Lappin, Kirk Broadfoot, Billy Mehmet and Stewart Kean all going close during the first forty five minutes. However, it took until five minutes before half time for the breakthrough to come. David van Zanten surged into the box and was crudely hacked down by Grant Johnson for the stoniest of stone wall penalties. Incredibly, it was Saints first penalty since late November 2004 (I think), and Kean gave Craig Nelson no chance with his spot kick.
Things were to get worse for Brechin and for Johnson. Just before half time, Johnson brought down Kevin McGowne whilst lying on the ground. It was a stupid tackle at the best of times, even worse when you're on a yellow card, and Stuart Dougal promptly sent the Brechin man off.
With only ten men and a goal behind, Brechin couldn't afford to sit back in the second half and Saints dominated for the majority. Chances were created but couldn't be taken, Broadfoot, Kean and sub Brian McGinty all failing to take advantage of decent openings.
For the final fifteen minutes, Brechin pushed a bit more and got their reward with ten minutes to go. Sub Paul Ritchie turned in the box and was flattened by McGowne for another stone wall penalty. Fortunately, Ritchie didn't take it. That honour fell to Craig McEwan, and he copied such greats as David Beckham and Johnny Wilkinson by firing his kick miles over the bar. Both sides threatened after that but failed to do anything, Kean coming close to adding to his tally in the final minute but his volley was just wide.
So a welcome three points at home then, but not very convincing one more. We played well and created chances but just couldn't take the chances when they came, something we'll need to start doing. Hopefully by the time we next have a league match in a fortnight we'll have a few new players in.