Match Report - By Steven Mew

City recorded just their third clean sheet of the season with a hard-earned point in blustery conditions against promotion-chasing Edinburgh City yesterday afternoon.

It was a game devoid of any real goalmouth action as both sides struggled to get into any kind of rhythm throughout the entire 90 minutes.

There had been some doubt in the hours leading up to the game whether it could go ahead, however conditions did settle enough in order for the match referee to give it the green light.

There was a start for new signing Alex Petkov in the centre of the defence alongside Dougie Hill and Jonathan Page as Manager Mark Wilson opted to go with a 3-5-2 formation, with Rhys McCabe also making his first start for City in the heart of midfield.

The home side started brightly and could have been ahead within the first couple of minutes when a defensive lapse allowed Grant Savoury a clear run on goal however Lewis McMinn was quick off his line to narrow the angle and saved well with his feet.

A minute later Scott Shepherd, who netted a stoppage time winner the last time the sides met at Ainslie Park, sliced his volley wide of goal.

It took until the 35th minute for either side to conjure up another chance as Kieran Inglis exchanged passes with Scott Reekie but his final effort was weak and straight at Mason. Three minutes later Jimmy Scott attempted a speculative volley from a McManus knockdown however the home keeper was equal to it.

Shortly before half time, McMinn was called into action when he palmed away a stinging effort from Savoury before the loose ball was cleared by safety by the City defence.

In a similar fashion to the first half, chances in the second period were few and far between. Just after the hour mark Edinburgh skipper Craig Thomson unleashed a powerful shot from range which swirled in the wind but right down the throat of McMinn who gathered comfortably.

Danny Handling then shot over for the home side before City made their first substitution with Olly Hamilton replacing Paul McManus as Manager Mark Wilson looked to utilise the pace of the on-loan forward to get in behind the Edinburgh defence.

With 16 minutes remaining Scott Reekie had to come off with a hip injury, with Lee Duncanson taking his place at right wing-back.

The home side won a free kick in a dangerous area on 80 minutes with the wind behind them at this stage. However Danny Handling’s set-piece flew harmlessly over, almost clearing the fence behind the goal.

Although Edinburgh had much of the possession, City got forward regularly on the counter attack in the closing stages with the final ball letting them down on a number of occasions.

Overall, City supporters will be entirely satisfied with a point and most importantly a clean sheet after conceding a number of cheap goals in recent matches. The addition of Alex Petkov, who had an assured debut at the back, looks to have given City some extra stability in this area.

Next up for City is the visit of former Manager Ray McKinnon and his Queen’s Park side under the lights at Glebe Park on Wednesday evening.

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