BANKS o’ Dee assistant manager Roy McBain is looking forward to ending 2022 by going toe to toe again with Breedon Highland League leaders Brechin City.

The two sides clash at Spain Park on Friday night a week on from serving up a pre-Christmas cracker of a 4-4 draw down at Glebe Park.

Dee led 3-0 at the interval - and also 4-3 at one stage during the second period - but had to be content with a share of the points in one of the games of the season.

Roy said: “We were obviously disappointed not to win the match, but came away with so many positives that we can be pleased about.

“Brechin are undefeated this season and have one of the strongest defences in the league - so scoring four against them is something our lads can be happy with.

“We had set out a game plan that we felt would cause Brechin problems and it worked perfectly in the first half.

“The players don’t need to be told our defending after going three up needed to be a lot better, but you also have to give Brechin a lot of credit for the tactical changes they made and how they played in the second half.

“Hopefully we can repeat the positives, and show we have learned from the negatives, when we meet again on Friday.

“We are all really looking forward to the game, it’s an exciting way to end what has been a historic and at times challenging year for the club.

“We had the excitement of promotion to the Highland League followed by what has, so far, been an interesting as well as frustrating maiden season at this level.

“The points deduction imposed on us was a blow, but the players have responded brilliantly to that by continuing to do well against the top sides and also reaching the semis of the Highland League Cup.

“There’s still plenty for us to play for as we head into the new year and it would be brilliant if we could end 2022 with another good result against a quality side like Brechin.”

Roy admitted he’s pleased Dee midfielder Micheal Philipson received a personal boost by claiming his first goal at Highland League level in the draw at Glebe Park.

Michael returned to the squad in recent weeks after spending the bulk of 2022 battling to get fit after suffering a serious ankle injury.

Roy said: “We were all delighted to see Michael make his mark after all that he’s been through.

“He took his goal with style, dispossessing one of the Brechin players in midfield then slotting it home, it was as if Michael had never been away.

“He’s still a bit rusty, as you would expect after such a long time out, but it’s a huge boost having Michael back as we head into the second half of the season.”

Dee have no fresh injury problems for Friday’s game, which kicks off at 7.30pm.