All too often opposing managers have hugely diverse opinions of matches played out in front of them, but Forfar Athletic’s Dick Campbell and Brechin City’s Ray McKinnon were refreshingly honest about their two sides’ showing in Saturday’s Angus derby.
For the victorious hosts, Campbell lavished praise on his side from front to back, highlighting the attitude, work ethic and commitment of his players who recorded the 2-0 win at Station Park.
In contrast, McKinnon said too many Brechin players, impressive in recent weeks, did not perform to their capabilities.
It was a convincing win for Forfar, who played the better football and controlled the possession.
While City tested Loons’ keeper Rab Douglas, they found the big stopper in fantastic form.
“All the players did really well,” said Campbell. “We were solid, our discipline was tremendous, we stood up to them.”
His brother, assistant manager Ian, said: “I thought it was a really good team performance.”
Among those shining was 17-year-old loan signing from Aberdeen Craig Storie. He battled, harassed and created in midfield, and the Forfar boss labelled his debut “outstanding”.
He also joked of his “inspired” substitution, bringing on his son Ross and watching him secure the points with a cracking finish 60 seconds later.
“My brother didn’t want to put him on but I over-ruled him,” he laughed.
Play swung from end to end in the first half, with Brechin forcing two wonder saves from Douglas.
He dived full length to turn a Greg Cameron 20-yard drive past the post.
Then came an amazing one-handed stop and recovery from Alan Trouten after the City man went clear and scooped in a shot.
But Forfar were pressing themselves and Dale Hilson and Chris Templeman both missed from close range.
Hilson made amends in the 39th minute when he got on the end of a cross from Jamie McCluskey after a burst into the box.
Forfar kept pressing after the break. Templeman was denied by keeper Graeme Smith, who smothered his shot and watched the ball squirm along the goal line.
With four minutes left, substitute Campbell, only on the pitch a minute, made sure of the points with a neat angled finish after a clever run into the box.
The win saw Forfar leapfrog Brechin, and the City manager was downcast at how meekly his side gave up the points.
“We deserved nothing out of the game today. I don’t often say this but I am disappointed in too many of the players today. We had no cutting edge and gave away very cheap goals.
“I have got to be honest, we had seven or eight players not at their best and that is not good enough to win a derby. When you have the majority of the team only playing about 60%, that is not good enough.”
The only plus for McKinnon was having Greg Cameron back in action.