Andy Jackson was a hat-trick hero for Brechin as they eased their way into the fifth round of the Scottish Cup with a replay win over Annan.
Brechin manager Ray McKinnon said: “I’m delighted we are in the next round. We had a great first half, then we took our foot off the gas in the second period.
“Andy Jackson was exceptional the way he buried three goals. His workrate is superb week in week out and when you give him chances he usually takes them.”
Brechin showed they meant business right from the start and they took the lead in four minutes.
A sweeping move carried the ball the length of the field and Ewan McNeil crossed for Jackson to head home.
It was 2-0 for the home side on 11 minutes. A pass from Kyle McAusland found Jackson inside the box and he controlled the ball before scoring.
Annan threatened for the first time on 20 minutes when a free-kick from Peter Weatherston was deflected wide.
Five minutes later a great passing move by Brechin ended with Jamie Masson finding Jackson and his shot was deflected wide.Following the corner, Masson crossed for Colin Hamilton to head past.
Brechin stretched their lead on 28 minutes. Bobby Barr crossed and Jackson controlled and scored at the far post.
On 39 minutes a Hamilton header from a Masson corner was saved by Alex Mitchell and Barr had a shot deflected wide by a defender.
On the stroke of half-time, Alan Trouten had a shot well saved.
Straight from the second half kick-off, Trouten was in again and Mitchell again blocked.
Annan raised their game and Peter Watson had a point-blank header saved by Graeme Smith.
Annan remained a threat and on 66 minutes, Weatherston volleyed wide but they got a goal on 68 minutes when substitute Scott Davidson hammered the ball home.
Brechin made it 4-1 on 72 minutes when Hamilton headed home a Masson free-kick but back came Annan and on 76 minutes, David Hopkirk found the net after working a short corner.
Annan almost scored again when Smith made a fine stop from Weatherston three minutes into added time.