Brechin vs St. Andrews

The second-half goal conceded will give manager Michael Paton something to work on defensively, but Brechin's quick-fire double in the first half — both strikes coming inside a dominant opening period — effectively sealed the game. St Andrews were unable to find an equaliser after their consolation goal.

• Mitch Taylor — Last season's Brechin City Player of the Year opened his pre-season account with the first goal. Taylor committed his future to the club earlier in the summer.
• Spencer Moreland — The midfielder added the second goal in a first-half display that gave City breathing room. Moreland was a consistent presence in central areas throughout.

This was City's first run-out of pre-season, offering minutes to a squad that will face stiffer tests in the coming weeks — including home friendlies against Dundee (8 July), Livingston (14 July) and Stenhousemuir (18 July) at Glebe Park. For St Andrews United, this was their first friendly fixture as they build towards the 2026/27 East of Scotland League season.

Brechin's 2-0 half-time lead suggests controlled first-half superiority, even if the second half became more competitive once the hosts made changes. The absence of detailed shot or xG data is typical of pre-season friendlies where full statistical tracking is not always published.

A functional, professional start to pre-season from Brechin City. Paton will be pleased with the first-half sharpness from Taylor and Moreland in particular, while the second-half concession provides a teaching moment with tougher opposition on the horizon.