Match report: St Johnstone B 2-1 Brechin City

Second half goals from Aaron Essel and Connor Smith sent us beyond Brechin City in the SPFL Trust Trophy on Wednesday night.

The visitors had gone into the break ahead through striker Dayle Robertson but Essel levelled proceedings shortly after the interval with a downwards header.

It was left late but a lovely Connor Smith finish from Scott Bright’s delivery ensured we picked up the win at McDiarmid Park.

Early doors, Fran Franczak showed off his attacking intent by working to the byline and sending a low delivery into the box.

Both Makenzie Kirk and Arran Cocks were positioned nicely and it was the latter who turned wide of the post from 12 yards.

Chances of the clear-cut variety were few and far between but Brechin’s Robertson opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a neat, low finish with his left foot from deep inside the box.

Smith attempted to retaliate as the first half neared an end but his shot was always rising and comfortably cleared the crossbar.

Saints were level in the 50th minute thanks to Essel’s downwards header from a delightful Taylor Steven cross.

We were inches from being ahead moments later when Smith went close and then Kirk hit the post with an attempt on the stretch.

Up the other end, goalkeeper Craig Hepburn was alert to save a powerful Marc Scott attempt from a tight angle.

Saints had enjoyed a stronger second half and Bright was next to try his luck with a strike from distance. Deflected, the ball edged wide of the mark.

Smith had a glorious chance to put us ahead with 83 minutes played when he lined-up a shot from the edge of the box.

He produced the goods right at the death, however, with a beautiful, cushioned finish from Bright’s cross. Kirk almost added a third but his clever chipped effort hit the post. 

We will now face East Fife away in the next round of the competition.

Saints: Hepburn, Franczak, Parker, Klimionek, Bright, Sprangler, Essel (McCrystal 89), C. Smith, Cocks, Steven (Mylchreest 75), Makenzie. Subs not used: Thomson, Ellison, Dair, Shiels, Brookfield, Binnie.

Scorers: Aaron Essel 50’, Connor Smith 90’