SPFL League One

Alloa Athletic...1

Brechin...2

ALLOA slipped to defeat in their Christmas Eve encounter with Brechin City as the Wasps missed the chance to close the gap at the top of the table.

A contentious penalty and a defensive mix-up either side of Jordan Kirkpatrick’s equaliser meant the Wee County side extended their winless run in the league to six games.

There was a place for Steven Hetherington in the starting lineup as he returned after four months out injured, while former Alloa players Dougie Hill and Aron Lynas lined up for the visitors.

The home side had a lucky escape inside the opening minute when Alan Trouten latched onto Connor McLennan’s flick-on and fired the ball beyond Neil Parry, only to see the goal ruled out thanks to the linesman’s flag.

It was a cagey opening to the game, with chances at a premium at both ends. Calum Waters caused the Brechin defence a few problems with some dangerous crosses, while Kevin Cawley fired a powerful drive over the crossbar.

The game became scrappy as both teams battled for a foothold, with some strong tackles being put in all over the pitch.

Brechin were dealt a blow just before the half-hour mark when Euan Smith went down with nobody near him. He was replaced by Gareth Rodger, and manager Darren Dods later confirmed that the defender suffered a potentially serious knee injury.

Kirkpatrick was next to go close, and he too sent a shot flashing over Graeme Smith’s crossbar from distance.

The goalkeeper was called into action seconds later, doing well to block Iain Flannigan’s effort after the midfielder had worked himself into a shooting position in the area.

Alloa were enjoying the majority of the play but were doing nothing with all their possession, and the visitors would make them pay five minutes before the half time interval.

Parry couldn’t hold Trouten’s shot, and as he attempted to gather, Alistair Love tried to get to the rebound. It looked like the keeper had got to the ball first but Love was sent flying by the collision, and the referee awarded a spot-kick.

Trouten stepped up and converted, giving the visitors the advantage as the teams headed back to the dressing rooms.

Flannigan created the first clear opening of the second half, bursting past a couple of defenders and into the box, but he couldn’t keep his shot down and another chance went begging.

He was almost made to pay as Trouten, who was Brechin’s main threat throughout, rose to direct a header towards goal, but Parry pulled off a superb save to turn the ball round the post and keep his side in the game.

And just moments later, the Wasps took full advantage. Scott Taggart swung in a terrific cross, Greig Spence flicked the ball on towards the back post, and Kirkpatrick arrived to lash it home and level the scores.

It was no more than the home side deserved as they had dominated up to that point, but they would not be level for long.

Parry and Jason Marr dithered over a seemingly harmless long ball, and Love nipped in to snatch possession and score what is likely to be the easiest goal of his career.

The goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of the home side, with Brechin content to soak up everything the Wasps could throw at them.

Flannigan had an effort blocked by Gary Fusco and Kirkpatrick drew a save from Smith, before Cawley blasted an effort over the crossbar as the hosts pushed and pushed for a second leveller.

They had one final chance to find an equaliser, with Flannigan attempting a spectacular overhead kick, but the ball sailed only a couple of inches over the bar.

That was the last real chance of the game, and Brechin held on to record a vital victory in their hunt for promotion, while Alloa saw their hopes dealt another blow.

Alloa: Parry, Taggart, Waters, Marr, Graham, Hetherington (Longworth), Cawley, Robertson, Spence, Flannigan, Kirkpatrick (Hynd). Not used: Holmes, Goodwin, Hoggan, Martin, McDowall.