Hibernian may have relinquished their hold on the Scottish Cup on Saturday but there was better news for their near neighbours as Edinburgh City secured their place in the SPFL next season after defeating Annan Athletic 2-0 in the Ladbrokes League Two game at Meadowbank.
Last season’s Lowland League winners earned promotion to the SPFL nearly a year ago after winning last season’s League Two play-off final against East Stirlingshire. Season 2016/17 has been a tough slog at times but City’s form since the turn of the year has been impressive. City ensured they would not be involved in a play-off tie against either this season’s Lowland League winners East Kilbride or Highland League winners Buckie Thistle when goals from former Hearts, Celtic and Scotland striker Craig Beattie and Lewis Allan secured victory over Annan Athletic.
Both teams had players sent off in injury time, with City’s Chris McKee and Annan’s Darren Ramsay seeing red.
City’s splendid achievement is fitting reward for the hard work and dedication of manager Gary Jardine, assistant Ross MacNamara and the players.
For the next three seasons, Edinburgh City will groundshare city neighbours Spartan’s Ainslie Park Stadium while Meadowbank Stadium is being redeveloped.
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
