Scoreline harsh but Brechin deserved Scottish Cup win, says Jeanfield manager Ross Gunnion

Jeanfield Swifts manager Ross Gunnion had no complaints about the outcome of Saturday afternoon’s Scottish Cup round one match against Brechin City.

The Highland League leaders, in the end, ran out comfortable winners in front of a bumper Riverside crowd which approached the 500 mark.

After a first half without score, Brechin soon upped the tempo and goals from Grady McGrath, Euan Spark and Anthony McDonald had them clear.

An own goal did give Swifts a glimmer of hope but late finishes from Jordan Northcott and another from McGrath wrapped up the away win.

Speaking to the Perthshire Advertiser, Gunnion said: “The scoreline itself is harsh but we can have no complaints that Brechin deserved to win the tie.

“It’s just disappointing that we couldn’t give the fantastic turnout of nearly 500 people something to cheer about, but we thank them all for their incredible support.”

Brechin entered the tie as favourites and had the ball in the net in the opening minutes but McDonald was ruled offside.

Soon Swifts would have a chance of their own, however, when Chris McLeish sent a crisp volley from distance on the swivel narrowly wide of the post.

His quick-thinking approach had taken the majority of the Riverside by surprise and indeed goalkeeper Lenny Wilson looked concerned as he scrambled across his line.

Swifts’ defence was battling admirably with Kieran Sweeney and Aaron Whitehead teaming up nicely in the heart of it. Behind them, goalkeeper Sam Townsley was performing very well.

There was no score to report as the half-time whistle arrived but the Perth underdogs would be encouraged that this tie was very much there for the taking.

Townsley was called into action early in the second half and was at full stretch to tip