Background

This daft hobby of mine has taken me to some wonderful and unique places around Scotland. Last time, I experienced the unbelievable scenery of Fort William’s Claggan Park– something I think will be ingrained in my memory for a long time. It is one of the most spectacular venues I’ve ever watched a game of football at, and it’ll take some beating.

However, while the natural beauty of Fort William remains on top for now, Scotland is full of rare pieces in its footballing stratosphere. The concrete jungles, high-rise grass embankments and top-quality arenas pinpoint the wonderful differentiation across the country. I believe it is something to be proud of.

Today’s trip brings me to one of those places that has been on my radar for some time now. Brechin City have been a poster for the wide variety of faces Scottish football has. The iconic image of a football being stuck in the hedge at Glebe Park is the first thing I think of when it comes to Brechin City. However, the impeccable rise and fall of the club inevitably springs to mind as well. It is a club that has seen it all, and one that I have been excited to visit for a while.

Brechin City Football Club were founded in 1906 after the successful merger of two of Brechin’s junior teams – Brechin Harp and Brechin Hearts. However, it would take until 1923 for the club to join the senior Scottish pyramid, with the formation of the original Third Division. It would only be a few years though until they fell away, with the Third Division collapsing and disbanding. They would return in 1929 following the departure of Bathgate and Arthurlie but wouldn’t have a consistent foothold in the pyramid until after the Second World War.

After struggling for most of the 50s, 60s and 70s, success would finally showcase itself in the form of a Second Division title win in 1983. The club then yo-yoed between the Second and First Division before finishing the 1990s back in the Third Division.

For me, this is where Brechin’s story gets interesting. A new millennium brought an upturn in fortunes under the stewardship of one Dick Campbell. In back-to-back seasons, the club won promotions up to the First Division thanks to a title win and second place finish. The club yo-yoed once more after the departure of Dick Campbell, suffering relegation under his twin brother Ian. The club then sought to return to the First Division, but play-off defeats to Airdrieonians, Ayr United and Cowdenbeath kept the club in the third tier.

In 2016, Brechin finished in fourth place in League One but this time successfully navigated the play-offs to gain promotion to the Scottish Championship. It was a big moment for the club, with the part-timers reaching the second tier for the first time in 11 years. However, this is where Brechin’s downturn in fortunes comes into play. They finished rock-bottom of the Championship and relegated with only 4 points and zero wins to their name. Then, to compel matters, they finished bottom the following season after a disastrous League One campaign to make it 2 consecutive relegations. Brechin’s free-fall was curtailed for a year with the COVID-19 pandemic suspending the League Two season early with the club rooted to the bottom once more. However, their misery was compiled the following year with another bottom-placed finish. A high-flying Kelty Hearts beat The Hedgeman 3-1 on aggregate to relegate Brechin out of the SPFL.

Things have become more stable for the club in the Highland League. In their first season they finished in third place, followed by a incredible title win on the final day of the season. They beat closest challengers Buckie Thistle to lift the trophy. Their play-off venture ended with a 4-3 aggregate defeat to eventual play-off winners The Spartans but the feel-good factor seems to have returned to Glebe Park. The club sit atop of the division once more with 27 games played. Today, they take on a mid-table Turriff United to keep their position at the helm. They face competition from Fraserburgh, Banks O’Dee and Buckie Thistle, but will be desperate for another shot at the SPFL play-offs. I think they’ve got it in them.

Facilities

Glebe Park sits a stones throw away from Brechin town centre, and has done for over a century. You are first greeted with the David H Will stand to enter the ground, but not before you take a gander at a statue of William Wallace – crafted by Brechin local Tommy Church. ‘Braveheart’ had previously been found at various locations around Scotland but has now found its home outside Glebe Park.

The largest stand serves its purpose well, giving an excellent view of proceedings. Unusually, it sits behind the goal – but I feel this adds another unique element to the arena. Of course, the almighty hedge sits to the left and looks as fine trimmed as ever. It also serves as a standing terrace, where the vast majority of travelling Turriff United supporters took their place for the match. Even in its brown, wintery coat it was class to see in person.  

Built in 1981, the smaller, 290 seater Main Stand sits by the touchline and looks a proper blast from the past with its sharp edges and steep roof. It looked a good place to watch the game and seemed to be the hub for hospitality tickets. Behind the far-away stands the Cemetery End, visualised in the form of a standard concrete terrace which housed the young Brechin ultras in the second half.

All in all, I really like Glebe Park. It is a very tight and rustic footballing arena with plenty of stories to tell. The variety of viewpoints and disparity between structures gives it an old but comforting feel to it. It has been Brechin’s home for over 100 years and I’m sure it’ll witness plenty more narratives in the future. 4/5.

Atmosphere

I’m unsure of the official attendance within Glebe Park for this encounter but it felt it felt like a decent number for a Highland League game in particular. It is clear at Brechin have a large and loyal fanbase , mixed with a plethora of newer, younger supporters coming in droves in their groups. I overheard that usually, the young Ultras usually create some noise with a drum but that it was forgotten today. I do like a drum at the football, particularly when it is part of a wider movement for young supporters.

It felt like a proper football atmosphere when the game got going but it was also clear of the positive ethos surrounding the club at the moment. As Brechin begin to move their way back into the SPFL, I feel this positive vibe will be here to stay, and I’m all for it. 2.5/5.

Quality of the Match

Brechin started the match as clear favourites, and began to strut their stuff almost from the first whistle. After only a few minutes, Murray Mackintosh presented a fine opportunity for Grady McGrath to open the scoring, but the striker could only sky his effort over the bar.

Brechin were dominating early doors, and McGrath received another chance after 15 minutes. A wonderful ball over the top saw Ewan Loudon through on goal. Turriff goalkeeper David Dey rushed out and did very well to block Loudon’s effort, only for the ball to fall to McGrath, whose bouncing volley found the back of the net. 1-0 to the hosts.

The home side continued to dominate and got their just-deserves 10 minutes later. Some great play down the right saw a cross headed away to the edge of the box. The ball reached Fraser Macleod, whose volley into the box was met by Danny Handling, who wrong-footed David Dey to give the hosts a two-goal advantage.

Despite barely advancing into the Brechin half, Turriff pulled a goal back. A free-kick by Reece McKeown from the right hand side found captain Dylan Stuart, who tucked away the golden opportunity.

Brechin stormed up the park immediately and almost regained their two goal advantage, with Ewan Loudon once again threatening the Turriff goal. However, his strike could only be dragged past the post.

Jamie Richardson was next to go close. A superb ball into the box by marauding centre-back Euan Spark found the on-loan Dundee United player, whose point-blank effort was very well saved by David Dey.

Danny Handling should have scored his second just before the break. Loudon did incredibly well to wrestle the ball back inside the Turriff box before squaring the ball to the former Hibernian and Edinburgh City forward, whose shot could only skiff the bar and head over.

Half Time: Brechin City 2-1 Turriff United

Brechin started the second half as they ended the first. Grady McGrath went close to his second after rounding the ‘keeper, only for his strike to be well blocked off the line. However, from the resulting corner, the ball evaded everyone except Danny Handling, who made no mistake by smashing the ball home from close range. 3-1.

The Hedgemen continued to press. A free-kick by Loudon from a good position was well tipped over by Dey, who was having an impressive game despite being on the losing side.

Then, Handling had a golden chance to take the match ball home. With Brechin advancing into the box once more, a Turriff defender stretched well to tackle, but weirdly handled the ball in the process. With no complaints, the referee pointed to the spot straight away. Handling stepped up and tucked the ball away confidently to attain his first hat-trick for the club. 4-1.

The fifth came soon after. A wonderfully weighted free kick into the box by Fraser Macleodfound the head of towering captain Euan Spark, who nodded the ball home in confident fashion. It was well deserved.

Full Time: Brechin City 5-1 Turriff United

Brechin will be delighted with this score line, given they absolutely skooshed this match. They dominated from the first whistle to the last and apart from the blip in concentration for Turriff’s goal, Lenny Wilson never seemed under any pressure. The experience of the Brechin side shone through. Danny Handling strolled his role as a deep playmaker, while Euan Spark dominated the aerial duals at the back. The home side continue their fine run, and look forward to an incredibly important midweek encounter with Buckie Thistle – a match in which the result could prove pivotal in the Highland League title race.

Turriff will be disappointed not to have laid a glove on the hosts, but in fairness, not many have this season. They clearly have some talented players but lacked the needed skillset to advance with much scoring intent. They’ll be absolutely fine in mid-table and will be hoping to strengthen come next season.

Overall, I was treated to a match with plenty of quality, a dominating home display and some excellent individual performances. It is clear to see that the Brechin faithful have been well entertained this season. 3.5/5.

Pricing

For this Highland League match-up, a measly tenner was the entry price. For the quality on display and arena itself, this is well worth the money. 5/5.

Final Score

Brechin end the weekend three points atop of the Highland League and with a score of 15/20 from me. I am glad to have finally visited Glebe Park and taken in a match in one of Scotland’s most iconic lower league grounds. With Brechin knocking on the door of the SPFL once more, it is certainly worth a visit for some entertaining football, a cracking venue and of course, a soon to be blooming hedge.

– Connor