Brechin City booked their place in the final of the Chuck McGowan Cup with a convincing 3-0 victory against Dundee United SC. Goals from Tom Marwood and Sam Rogerson had the visitors two up at the break, with Rogerson adding a second in the second half to secure the victory.

The visitors got off to the perfect start, as Tom Marwood fired them ahead inside three minutes. The winger was given too much time and space inside the DUSC box, and slammed the ball past goalkeeper Lennon Mitchell.

DUSC were struggling to get going as Brechin continued to press, winning a series of corners and dangerous free kicks in the opening exchanges. With 16 minutes gone, they doubled their advantage. Dawson Sawyer’s cross was met by Sam Rogerson, who turned the ball into the net.

Sawyer was next to threaten the DUSC goal, but saw his effort saved by Lennon Mitchell after 24 minutes. Marwood saw his header drift wide of the post not long after, before Logan Mitchell sliced a shot wide from the top of the Brechin box.

The hosts were beginning to improve, with winger Brian Harris causing problems for the Brechin backline. The wide man picked out Logan Whitelaw following a jinking run but the strikers shot was easily saved by Robbie Buchan. Another run from Harris after 37 minutes saw the winger fire just wide. 

Both sides knew that the third goal would be crucial, and DUSC started the second half well with Harris again troubling the Brechin defence, but was denied by Buchan. The Brechin stopper had to be at his best to keep out a fierce effort from substitute Liam Phillips after 54 minutes.

Just as DUSC looked likely to score, Brechin added a third. A quick counter-attack saw Marwood’s cross fumbled by Lennon Mitchell, allowing Rogerson to roll the ball into the empty net.

Brechin were now searching for a fourth, and nearly had it just after the hour mark. Sam Crosby’s volley was well tipped over by Logan Mitchell. The resulting corner fell kindly for Calum Akers, but the DUSC keeper produced a stunning reflex save to deny Brechin a fourth.

With nine minutes remaining, DUSC nearly pulled one back. Thomas MacPhail found space at the top of the box, but his first-time effort was sent crashing against the crossbar.

This is a disappointing start to 2017 for DUSC who just lacked that killer instinct on too many occasions today. As for Brechin, they will take on either Carnoustie or Dundee Rangers in the final of the Chuck McGowan Cup.