It was a long road back to the Capital for Citizens fans after a second straight defeat in the Premier Sports Cup.
The 4-0 reverse before 781 fans against Queen of the South at Palmerston Park followed the 4-1 home reverse to Partick Thistle last Friday in their opening game in the competition, all the goals here coming in the first half.
And it was even more disappointing for birthday boy, City striker Jaden Ferguson, who turned 22 this week.
Kurtis Guthrie opened the scoring after 16 minutes for the William Hill League One side and Reece Lyon added a second a minute after the half-time break.
Lyon was on the mark for his second and Queens third only five minutes later and Michael Hewitt found the net for the fourth after 78 minutes.
Liam Smith was booked by referee Connor Ashwood two minutes into injury time for the home side but City had six yellow cards dished out to Jason Jarvis, Robert Mahon and Callum Brodie, all between the 71st and 75th minutes, a Trialist on 90 minutes, manager Michael McIndoe a minute into second-half injury time, and Quinn Mitchell two minutes later.
McIndoe will have to lift his Scottish League Two squad for the visit of William Hill League Two outfit Stranraer to Meadowbank on Saturday (15.00) but the loss of eight goals with only one in reply during the first two games in the competition must be a concern.
Stranraer, who drew 1-1 with Ross County in regulation time in their opening game before winning 6-5 on penalties, go into the clash following a 2-0 defeat to Partick Thistle at Maryhill on Tuesday following goals from Lee Ashcroft two minutes into first-half injury time and Tony Watt with two minutes of regulation time remaining.
PICTURE: City manager Michael McIndoe who was booked at Palmerston Park. Courtesy of Edinburgh City
