Edinburgh City Reds broke Earlston Rhymers resistance with nine minutes to play in their Division 2 League Cup contest. The hosts' 1-0 victory, in a match they controlled but struggled to find shots, was deserved but not easy on a cold Edinburgh day.
The game began with a curious misunderstanding in the fourth minute. Ryan Ironside’s deflected right wing cross looped over Rhymers keeper Finlay Dodds, struck the back post, bounced perilously close to in and ended back within Dodds’ hands. Amidst claims the ball had crossed the line, it appeared a goal had been given and Reds began to celebrate. Yet something was amiss. The signal, the referee stated, had been play on. It was a big call, under pressure, but the correct decision.
After that mini-drama, the game hit a steady rhythm of Reds in possession and Rhymers looking out of sorts. Finlay Purdie was the pick of midfield, but efforts at goal were scarce and seldom on target. When Purdie had to be removed for a worrying issue after 25 minutes - he was treated on the sideline beneath coats for substantial time, but eventually left the ground on his own feet - the spark and impetus became subdued.
Reds continued to manage the game, and one free kick drew a good save by Dodds, but by half time only two of the half dozen shots had been worthy of saves, and none had been by Earlston. Unsurprisingly, the game was goalless.