Despite nearby parts of Brechin being seriously affected by flooding from the River Esk the day before, Victoria Park was in remarkable nick for this league fixture.
 
It was the home side who came racing out of the blocks with their player/manager, Charlie King, smartly volleying home Martin Strachan’s perfect cross from the right in the 4th minute.

Both sides went on to squander chances meaning that King’s strike was the only goal of the first-half.
 
Brechin began the second-half in similar style to the first with Charlie Fertacz hitting a 20 yard screamer in the 50th minute to double the Vics’ tally. It looked all over bar the shouting in the 70th minute when Ryan Young found himself in acres of space on the right and he ran in unchallenged to rocket the ball low into the net.

The Hibs showed their mettle though by reducing the leeway three minutes later. Mark Rowbotham played the ball to Chris Ireland and his measured pass sent Garry Thomson scarpering up the left. He cut in and rifled the ball low into Jamie Robbie’s goal.

Five minutes later, Nick McGowan was ordered-off for a heavy challenge on Connor Mitchell to make the Hibs’ task of salvaging something from the game that wee bit more difficult but they rose to this challenge in the 87th minute with Mathew Gay’s first-time shot from Jack Wilson’s clever pass fairly fizzing beyond the flailing arms of Robbie from 20 yards.

It was too little too late though with the home supporters greeting the final whistle with some relief.
 
Strathore Plant Hire Hibs’ Man of the Match – Ian Shanks
 
Brechin Victoria: Robbie, Gourlay, Whitworth, Eaton, McKay, Fertacz, Young, Strachan, Burton, Mitchell, King. Subs: Ross, Wilson, Main.
 
Referee: Mr W.Ferguson