Edinburgh City 3 Arbroath 3
Ladbrokes Scottish League Two – Saturday 1 October 2016, Meadowbank Stadium
With Hearts having played their game on Friday evening, I took the opportunity to head to Meadowbank Stadium on Saturday to see Edinburgh City take on the ‘other Maroons’ – Arbroath. City, promoted to the SPFL after they won the Scottish Lowland League last season, are still looking for their first win of the season as the month of October begins. After a thrilling 3-3 draw with the Red Lichties, this remains the case but Gary Jardine’s side will surely have cause for optimism after coming so close to breaking their duck against Dick Campbell’s experienced team.
The Edinburgh City fans were in good voice throughout – the chant of ‘You Shop at Matalan’ towards the travelling Arbroath fans caused this reporter to laugh out loud and the City fans went through their repertoire throughout the afternoon which included a rendition of The Beatles classic ‘Twist and Shout’ (no, I’m not sure why either but it was performed admirably)
The game itself was an end-to-end affair. Arbroath took the lead after just nine minutes when Kader slid the ball home from close range. However, it took City merely 60 seconds to equalise when new signing Marc Laird fired into the roof of the net.
Half-time Edinburgh City 1 Arbroath 1
The second half was just two minutes old when Arbroath regained the lead through Little. City, though, refused to buckle and six minutes later were level again when former Hearts, Celtic and Scotland striker Craig Beattie won the ball inside the penalty box and Ouzy See bundled the ball home. Arbroath’s keeper Robbie Mutch sustained a bad injury when the goal was scored and there was immediate concern as officials rushed on to the field. The goalie was stretchered off and was given treatment in the ambulance at the corner of the stadium. Hopefully, he will make a full recovery.
City took the lead 15 minutes from time when Ouzy See slipped the ball past Arbroath’s replacement keeper and it seemed the home side were set for that elusive first victory. However, the lead lasted just five minutes before Scott equalised for Arbroath. The visitors then had Sukar sent off after referee Scott Millar showed the Arbroath man a straight red card for violent play. However, City just couldn’t break through the visiting defence a fourth time and the game ended with honours even.
City remain rooted at the foot of Ladbrokes League Two but if they can turn some of these draws into wins, I have a feeling they will push their way up the league table.
It was a hugely enjoyable afternoon at Meadowbank Stadium. From the refreshingly honest matchday programme – it described City’s last home game against Montrose as ‘abysmal’ – to the delicious pies (definitely Premiership standard) and the half-price admission for Hearts and Hibernian season ticket holders.
City are at home next Saturday – against Elgin City. As it’s international weekend, I would highly recommend fans of Hearts and anyone else not playing next weekend (I believe Hibs are playing in the Irn Bru Cup) to head to Meadowbank Stadium. City may be bottom of the bottom league but you’ll have a very enjoyable afternoon.
Edinburgh City: Stobie, Dunsmore, Mbu, Harrison, Laird, McKee, McFarland, Gair, Beattie, Dunn, See
Arbroath: Mutch, Whatley, Sukar, Little, Hamilton, Scott, Krader, McCord, Prunty, Skelly, Linn
Att: 495
Author of The Team for Me - 50 Years of Following Hearts. Runs Mind Generating Success, a successful therapy practice in Edinburgh. Contact me if you want rid of any unwanted habits. Twitter @Mike1874
