Brechin City manager Andy Kirk praised his side’s ruthlessness after victory over Turriff United.
The Breedon Highland League leaders won 4-1 at the Haughs to make it 34 points from a possible 36 so far this season.
Boss Kirk said: “Goals change the feel of the game, if they go for you it gives you that bit of comfort.
“You saw when Turriff scored the lift it gave them, but for us the goals came at good times.
“There’s not really a bad time to score, but a quick second after the first and then one right after half-time settles it right down.
“The players are full of enthusiasm. They want to run, which is a big bonus, and we’ve got good quality.
“I’m really pleased with the players because they’re giving us a lot of effort, they’re trying to do the right things and they’re getting the rewards.
“We’ve had a great start, but a start is all it is. Every game in this league poses different challenges and we need to make sure we’re at the top of our game to deal with them.”
Clinical City take control
Brechin gradually gained control of the contest after a reasonably even first quarter in which chances were at a premium.
Grady McGrath was thwarted by David Dey and Jordan Northcott lifted a shot over from 12 yards before the Hedgemen netted the opener five minutes shy of half-time.
McGrath scampered down the right flank and his cross was superbly volleyed into the bottom left corner by Botti Biabi.
Two minutes later, clinical City doubled the lead – Anthony McDonald’s low delivery from the left wasn’t cleared by the Turra defence and Jordan Northcott prodded home from close range.
Before the first period was over, McGrath twice fired off target when well-positioned inside the area.
But, within 10 seconds of the restart, McGrath did score. He capitalised on indecision in the United defence to latch on to a through ball before firing through Dey’s legs.
Turriff rallied well after that and pulled a goal back in the 52nd minute. Aaron Reid beat the offside trap on the right side and, after stumbling initially, the Aberdeen-bound striker clipped a cross to the back post for Callan Gray to head home.
Just before the hour mark, Brechin made the points safe by scoring a fourth.
Referee Duncan Nicolson pointed to the spot for a shove on McGrath – to the frustration of home players and supporters – and Kieran Inglis found the right corner from 12 yards.
The game petered out to an extent after that, with Brechin threatening to add to the score on occasion.
Turriff also looked to get forward, but didn’t trouble visiting goalkeeper Lenny Wilson too often.
Lapses cost hosts – Donaldson
United manager Dean Donaldson said: “I was pleased with my team, I thought they did everything we asked of them.
“Defensively we were good in spells, but the two goals we conceded one after the other made it tough for us.
“We regrouped after that and then at the very start of the second half we conceded a goal from a routine we’ve tried to do ourselves.
“I’m not too disappointed. I’m disappointed with the manner of the goals, but the players worked hard and did what we’re asking.
“I’m not going to be too hard on them, because they’re still learning.
“I didn’t think it was a penalty. It was soft like many decisions throughout the game and the referee knows how I feel about it.”
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