Match Report - By Steven Mew

Despite a late second half brace from substitute Emile Ngoy, City slipped to a narrow defeat against Edinburgh City at Glebe Park yesterday afternoon.

There was marked improvement from the Scottish Cup exit to Annan Athletic last weekend but it proved not to be enough against high-flying Edinburgh who went into the match off the back of an impressive 4-0 win over Stenhousemuir in midweek.

Mark Wilson made a number of changes, both tactically and in terms of personnel from last week with Dougie Hill, Ross Brown and Ryan McCord coming into the side at the expense of Olly Hamilton, Matthew Knox and Ross Crawford.

After a quiet start to the game, the first chance would come City’s way after 14 minutes when an inviting cross from McLaughlin somehow evaded both McCord and McManus in front of goal.

Former City man Jordan Sinclair tried his luck for Edinburgh with a 20 yard free kick which was comfortably gathered by McMinn.

City had been defending well, but the visitors made the breakthrough on 25 minutes thanks to a real piece of quality. Marc Laird was afforded too much time on the edge of the box and he curled a splendid effort into the top corner, giving McMinn absolutely no chance.

The Citizens went on to control the remainder of the half, with Alex Harris unlucky to see his half-volley from just inside the area fly over the bar and McMinn was called into action to push away a shot from former City loanee Scott Shepherd.

Mark Wilson would have been looking for a reaction from his side in the second half and had it not been for the offside flag, they would have been level 5 minutes after the restart.

A free kick floated long into the box by McLaughlin was headed on by Scott Reekie for Paul McManus who nipped in ahead of the defender to prod beyond McAdams - however the celebrations were cut short with the linesman raising his flag.

Midway through the second half a deep cross from Sean McIntosh found McManus alone at the back post but the experienced frontman couldn’t get enough on his header to trouble the keeper.

Olly Hamilton, who had replaced Kieran Inglis on the hour mark was next to threaten for City when he latched onto a ball over the top from McCord however his right footed lob was well off target.

Almost immediately up at the other end, Edinburgh very nearly doubled their advantage when a cutback was met by Alex Harris, however Scott Reekie did superbly well to throw himself in front of the goalbound shot.

With quarter of an hour remaining, EMILE NGOY replaced Ryan McCord and the substitution would have the desired effect as he would go on to put City level with just 6 minutes left. A high looping ball into the box from Ross Brown was met by the big Frenchman who rose highest to nod past McAdam.

Unfortunately City were level for just 35 seconds as the visitors immediately restored their lead. The City defence switched off at a free kick and although Edinburgh were denied by the crossbar, DANNY HANDLING lashed a powerful volley into the corner from the rebound.

With City chasing the game in the closing stages, they conceded a penalty as the game entered stoppage time when Scott Reekie brought down Allan Smith in the box. There were little arguments from the City youngster over the award and DANNY HANDLING grabbed his second from the spot, with McMinn guessing the wrong way.

That looked to have sealed the points for the Citizens however City pulled another goal back deep into stoppage time to ensure a nervy finish. Jamie Reid floated in a corner kick which was met by EMILE NGOY who headed into the net for his second.

It proved to be too little, too late for City as James McDonaugh’s side returned to the Capital with all three points.

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