Andy Jackson was delighted to make his return from injury despite being unable to prevent Brechin falling to a defeat against his former Morton team-mates.
The striker, ruled out of contention for more than two months after suffering a torn abductor in training, admitted finding it difficult to watch his side struggling at the bottom of the league.
He said: “It’s brutal being out injured, especially when we’ve been losing by the odd goal and I feel like I could have made the difference.
“I’ve been itching to get back playing and I would have liked to get more minutes today, but hopefully now I can get back fit and start to score goals.”
The visitors made a terrible start and fell behind after only four minutes when Gary Oliver flicked home a brilliant left-footed cross from the influential Ross Forbes.
Despite being under severe pressure, Brechin were resilient and grabbed a stunning equaliser just before half-time. Isaac Layne intercepted a stray pass inside the box and fired a glorious right-footed effort beyond Derek Gaston into the top corner.
Morton regained the lead in bizarre fashion before the break when Scott Tiffoney reacted quickest to a poor clearance and used his knee to lob the ball over Smith into the net.
The game effectively ended as a contest when referee Alan Newlands awarded a controversial penalty to Morton for a foul on Oliver, which Gary Harkins duly converted.
Jackson criticised the decision to award the penalty and believes it is symptomatic of his side’s bad luck this season.
“We need a bit of luck,” he said.
“The third goal killed us today and it was never a penalty. I was right behind Oliver when it was given and I couldn’t believe it. But hopefully our luck can change in the new year.”
Brechin remain rooted to the bottom of the Ladbrokes Championship table and are still searching for their first league win of the season.
Jackson believes his side are capable of avoiding the drop if they start to produce more consistent performances.
“I wouldn’t say it is impossible to get out of the relegation place. We are only six points behind Falkirk and have to play them three more times.
“We knew it would be a hard season but, if we play like we did against Dundee United, then we can do it,” Jackson said.
City boss Darren Dods said: “We didn’t start the game well enough but, having got level, we should have been able to see it through to half-time.
“The penalty award then swings the game, and I didn’t think it should have been given.”
Morton substitute Jai Quitongo, also back from an injury lay-off, added gloss to the scoreline with a late goal.
