Brechin City 0-2 Alloa Athletic

Alloa Athletic are in pole position to reach the Division One play-off final after a semi-final first leg win away to Brechin City.

City had gone into the game confident after two straight wins despite manager Ray McKinnon resting several players in preparation for the play-offs.

They had won their last two meetings with Paul Hartley's side in a run of three games without defeat against their opponents.

But the visitors, who finished second-top, six points ahead of their opponents in the Second Division, were quickly on top.

They went close in the 27th minute when Ryan McCord's effort crash into the post, with Kevin Moon blasting the rebound over.

Alloa's domination continued and they took the lead six minutes before the break when McCord was brought down in the area.

The striker's spot-kick was saved by Michael Andrews, but he responded quickest to tuck the rebound home.

Alloa doubled their advantage 10 minutes after the restart when Moon curled in a superb 20-yard effort.

McCord then missed a chance to make it 3-0 when he dragged a shot wide before Brechin wasted two chances to reduce the deficit.

However, Alloa extended their winning run to three games to go into Saturday's return leg as firm favourites.

Brechin: Andrews, Pursehouse, Hay (McLauchlan 65), Moyes, Brown (Brady 69), Cameron, Jonathan Stewart, Ferguson, Trouten, Jackson, Carcary (McKenna 59). Subs Not Used: Nelson, Ryan Stewart.

Alloa: Bain, Doyle, Gordon, Marr (Docherty 59), Meggatt, Moon, Simmons, McCord (Grehan 86), Holmes, Elliot (Young 81), Cawley. Subs Not Used: McDowall, Tiffoney.

Booked: Marr, McCord.

Goals: McCord 40, Moon 56.

Att: 582

Ref: Bobby Madden