Match Report

Blair Henderson came back to haunt Annan with a goal either side of half time to win the points for Edinburgh City. Annan responded with a late goal after Ryan Sinnamon scored with a free kick but it was all too late for Annan to claw their way back into the game.

Annan boss Peter Murphy introduced recent loan signing from Kyle Bradley straight into his line up along with Ross Ferguson and Aidan Smith as the Annan boss attempted to find the winning formula to stop Annan’s recent run of 2 successive defeats but in the end it was Henderson’s 2 goals which earned City the points to keep them at the top of the table.

The opening 15 minutes were uneventful with neither keeper being really tested. In the only serious attempt at goal Annan ‘s keeper John Jamieson pulled off a superb save low down to push Blair Henderson’s effort round the post in the 28th minute following aRobbie McIntyre corner kick.

As the match moved towards half time the home team were pushing forward  but when Aidan Smith lost the ball in the 43rd minute there appeared to be little on when the ball was played through to Henderson who finished superbly changing direction with a low shot into the corner of the net past the outstretched arms of John Jamieson.  It was a crucial goal at a very important time of the match.

Annan started the second half promisingly without creating any danger, Kyle Bradley averted a dangerous situation on the 51stminute cutting out a penetrating through ball. City forced a couple of corners with Liam Henderson heading over the second corner from the back post.

Annan brought off Moxon, Smith and Ferguson all within a 10 minute spell with Wallace, Roberts and Muir all being introduced as they attempted to pull the game back. Annan however conceded a free kick in the 80th minute when Ayrton Sonkur was booked for a poor challenge on Taylor and from the resulting free kick it was Henderson who once again got the all important touch with a deft header to guide the ball into the corner of net to give City the breathing space.

Annan pushed forward in an effort to get back into the game and they pulled a goal back in the 83rd minute when Chris Johnston was fouled 20 yards out and Ryan Sinnamon struck a stunning free kick into the keepers top left hand corner of the net. It certainly gave Annan a lift and moments later  Chris Johnston made a great run into the box with the Annan player claiming a penalty after a challenge left the Annan player.

Edinburgh City managed to see the game out to win the game, a result which keeps them firmly at the top of the table 2 points ahead of  Peterhead.

Edinburgh City – Calum Antell, Craig Thomson, Robbie McIntyre, Andy Black, Conrad Balatoni, Marc Laird, Blair Henderson, Danny HANDLING (Alan Smith69 min), Graham Taylor, Scott Shephers(Kieran Stewart 71 min), Liam Henderson Subs not used  Fraser Morton GK, Gareth Rodger, Calum Hall, Adam Watson, Regan Lmsden.

Annan Athletic – John Jamieson, Scott Hooper, James Creaney, David Wilson, Kyle Bradley, Ayrton Sonkur, Owen Moxon (Tony Wallace 60 min), Chris Johnston, Aidan Smith ( Scott Roberts 70min), Ross Ferguson ( Tommy Muir 70 min), Tony Wallace, Ryan Sinnamon. Subs not used Trialist, Trialist, Max Wright, Peter Murphy.

Referee – David Lowe​Assistants – Jordan Stokoe and Robert Thomson.

Crowd 247

In the other SPFL2 matches Peterhead lifted the points at the expense of Cowdenbeath to remain hard on the heels of Edinburgh City after coming from behind twice to secure a 4-2 victory.  Queens Park were defeated 1-0 by Stirling Albion and if all the rumours are correct the spiders look set to losing boss Gus Macpherson who is all set to take up a position at St Mirren. Elgin City lifted the points with a comfortable 3 -0 victory down at Berwick. Clyde maintained their challenge at the top of the table  after recoding a 1-0 victory over Albion Rovers who remain firmly at the foot of the table.