Match Report - By Steven Mew

Report by Steven Mew

City were unable to tame the Lions as they slumped to a disappointing defeat at Glebe Park yesterday afternoon.

Manager Darren Dods kept faith with the same starting 11 that earned a hard fought point against Morton last week. Euan Spark took his place at left back despite having come off with a head injury early on last weekend whilst Aberdeen striker Connor McLennan was playing the last game of his current loan agreement.

City started the game brightly and conjured up an opportunity within the opening minute. Connor McLennan collected a pass from Aron Lynas out on the right before dribbling inside however his resultant powerful effort was straight down the throat of ex-Rangers keeper Neil Alexander.

With 12 minutes on the clock, the visitors were awarded a penalty when McLennan was adjudged to have bundled over Jackson Longridge in the box. City players protested furiously against the decision but it was to no avail as CRAIG HALKETT placed the spot kick low into the corner despite Graeme Smith guessing correctly.

Chances were few and far between for both sides. Paul McLean sliced a volley high and wide of the goal after a cross had been headed out to him and Declan Gallagher did likewise at the other end of the park.

Shortly before the half hour mark, Andy Jackson diverted a cross-cum-shot from Paul McLean into the net but the linesman had already flagged for offside. Several minutes later, Neil Alexander had to be alert to tip a dangerous Sinclair cross over the bar.

Five minutes before the interval, Graeme Smith was called into action when Scott Robinson skipped past a couple of challenges on the edge of the box but his effort was straight at the City keeper.

Two minutes into the second period, Steven Boyd tried his luck from the edge of the box but it didn’t trouble Smith. That was as good as it got for either side up until the 69th minute when the visitors doubled their advantage following a defensive error.

Aron Lynas got his feet caught in the surface and left his pass-back horribly short - SCOTT ROBINSON capitalised on the error by latching onto the loose ball and slotted past the on-rushing Smith.

City were finding it difficult to get any fluency in their play as a hard working midfield and well drilled defence were quick to close them down at just about every opportunity.

Ten minutes from time, skipper Paul McLean had one of his trademark surging forward runs which saw him skip past two players but his strike from the edge of the box was gathered easily by Alexander. Three minutes later, Callum Tapping was next to try his luck when he cut in from the left hand side but his effort curled just past the far post.

Connor McLennan unfortunately pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury five minutes from time – he was replaced by Euan Smith who slotted into midfield.

As the game approached stoppage time, City really should have pulled a goal back. Substitute Kalvin Orsi showed some trickery on the right before providing an inch perfect cross for the unmarked Euan Smith. From just a few yards out he somehow screwed the ball wide when it looked easier to score.

That proved to be the last action of the game as referee Craig Charleston called time on a bitterly disappointing afternoon for City. It’s a break from league action next weekend as City face Celtic in a glamour Scottish Cup tie at Parkhead. Over 1,000 City fans will travel to Glasgow on what will be a momentous day for the club, irrespective of the result.

Other Results - Ladbrokes Championship

Dumbarton 0 St Mirren 2

Saints go 8 points clear at the top.

Dunfermline Athletic 0 Dundee United 0

United slip further behind St Mirren in the title race.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle 3 Queen of the South 1

Inverness continue to push for a play-off spot.

Morton 0 Falkirk 1

The Bairns move level with Dumbaton in the table after a fine win at Cappielow.