Brechin boss Ray McKinnon believes another slow start cost his side the chance of a morale-boosting win.
First-half goals from Martin Hardie and Liam Coogans put the Diamonds ahead before Andy Jackson threw City a lifeline. However, Lewis Coult’s late strike snuffed out Brechin’s comeback chances.
McKinnon said: “You can’t start a match like that and concede two goals. We seem to be doing that every week right now which is giving us mountains to climb.
“In the second half we had all the pressure but we were lacking a bit of quality. We’re better than that and we just need to work hard and make sure we get it right and start taking these chances in the final third.”
He added: “I’m happy with the squad we have but I’d like to add to it. The difficulty is getting quality in.
“It’s been a bit difficult with injuries and suspensions but once we get everybody back and fighting for their place we’ll be fine. I’m sure we’ll be up there challenging for the play-offs.”
Brechin scorer Jackson said: “It’s always good to get a goal but it means nothing now. The first-half is probably the worst we’ve played this season. We were really lucky to go in only 2-1 down as it could have been three of four.
“We obviously still had a chance and in the second half and we were the only team that looked like getting a goal but the decision-making cost us and we couldn’t take our chances.
“Then they get one from a sloppy goal-kick right at the end. We need to have a look at ourselves and get back to basics.
“We’ll move on to next week against Stenhousemuir and try and get a result.”