5th November 2021 Edinburgh City 0 Albion Rovers 4

 

Ainslie Park again tonight for Edinburgh City’s league fixture against Albion Rovers. This will be the first time I have been at a return fixture this season having attended the first match between the sides at Cliftonhill back in August. I had an early mal and set off at around 18.15 for Ainslie Park. I walked as far as Hanover Street and then caught a 23 bus to Goldenacre. From there I walked along Ferry Road to Ainslie Park arriving around 17.20. I as was heaingto the entrance I received a text from Jim saying he was in the ground in our usual stop, the embankment at the Pilton End. I showed my e-ticket, purchased through Fanbase to gain entry. It was disappointing that there were no programmes on sale as the City issue is one of the best in Scotland. The programme editor, Alick, has had computer problems and is awaiting the arrival of a new PC to allow him to continue production. It may be that there will be no programme for next weeks match against Stranraer unless delivery is early next week. I met up with Jim and Alex joined us just before kick-off. 

It was going to be an interesting game tonight. Pre-season City were one of the clubs tipped for the play-offs if not champions. Things have not gone as anticipated with manager Gary Naysmith's signings not asset linking together albeit a horrendous injury list has not helped. probably the best player for City thus fr has been goal-keeper Brian Schwake, on loan from Livingston. Tonights side was a four four two formation with Ryan Stanley and John Robertson operating up front. The defence included three centre half with Dave McKay, Chris Kane and Scott Reekie, playing at full-back with Lewis Kidd the only natural full-back. Rovers were eighth in the table before tonights games but I thought looked a good side when I saw them against City in August. The Rovers side includes a number of players with a lot of experience in the Scottish leagues such as Aron Lynas, David Wilson and Max Wright so I was expecting a good game tonight. 

The game started with Rovers on top and they had the first scoring chance after bout ten minutes. David Wilson sent in a cross from the left towards the unmarked Max Wright about ten yards from goal. From what seemed an clear scoring opportunity he sent his header back across goal and past Schwake’s right hand post. However ten minutes later Wright opened the scoring. He caught Scott Reekie in possession in his own half when he collected the ball and headed towards goal. His shot from just inside the penalty area gave Schwake no chance. Rovers went 2-0 up after thirty minutes when a free-kick from the left was headed down by Sam Fagan fr the unmarked James McGowan to strode the ball home. City came into the game slightly more after this. John Robertson had there first, and according to BBC Sports their only, shot on goal. Calllum Tapping sent him through on a forward pass but he was forced wide and his shot was easily held b the diving Cammy Binnie. Almost on the half-time whistle Rovers went 3-0 up when Corey O’Donnell passed to  Callum Wilson who cut inside down the right and curled the ball beyond Schwake into the bottom left-hand corner. 

City manager Gary Naysmith knew he had to make changes so a triple substitution was made at half time which saw Reekie, James Hilton, and Shanley all replaced by Stephen Bronsky, Michael McFarlane, and Ouzy See. However the changes did not do much good as Rovers seemed comfortable and went 4-0 up after the hour mark. Corey O’Donnell scored  his first senior goalas he calmly beat Dave McKay in the box and slotted the ball past Schwake to complete the rout for Rovers. After this Rovers cruised through the rest of the match, The only real incident game with about ten minutes to go when McFarlane fouled Callum Wilson tjust inside this own half. To me to looked like as straight red card but the referee was content with a yellow albeit Wilson required to be substituted. The final whistle was a relief to City who ad been outclassed and outfought throughout the game. From being promotion candidates I fear City will now struggle to remain in League Two unless changes are made .

After the game I walked up to Ferry Road to find, yet again, that I had missed a 27 bus. Walked to Crewe Toll and caught a 29 then a 16  from Princes Street,. I got off at Lothian Road and walked home arriving back around 22.20 after an entertaining game although my side had not triumphed.

Teams

Edinburgh City: Schwake, Reekie, Berry, Tapping, Handling, Hilton, Kane, Kidd, Shanley, Robertson, McKay. 

Subs: McFarlane, See, Bronsky, Farrell

Albion Rovers: Binnie, Lynas, Fernie, McGowan, Fagan, Leslie, C Wilson, D Wilson, O’Donnell, Wright, Reilly. 

Subs: Morton, Mullen, Dolan, McVey.