Edinburgh City are hunting down Sons after vital victory closes gap

The Citizens will move up to ninth for the first time since incurring a 15-point deduction in August if they follow up Saturday's success with another three points against East Kilbride this weekend - and the Sons fail to win against Forfar.

Innes Lawson scored a clinical brace. Picture: Tommy Lee

Michael McIndoe's men actually fell behind at the Rock on the 30-minute mark, Leighton McIntosh's scrambled finish giving the hosts the advantage. But the prolific Innes Lawson restored parity with a neat finish into the bottom corner six minutes before the interval.

The former Edinburgh University frontman was at it again just two minutes into the second half, spinning his marker before rifling an angled shot that flew into the top corner. A precious three points on the road for a side who now has safety firmly in their sight.

"It was a really strong performance," McIndoe said afterwards. "We asked the players to keep sticking to our principles and philosophies in trying to play out, but also being able to mix it when the physical part comes. We do the same every week, home and away, but there's always things we adapt to in the week. We tweak certain things which we keep quiet, so it was a big result.

"There was a lot of pressure on these young guys' shoulders and they handled it very well. This team plays with no fear. We saw a really strong Edinburgh City team and it was really enjoyable."

Meanwhile, league leaders Spartans played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at Elgin City as Dougie Samuel's outfit saw their lead cut to six points.

Nearest challengers East Kilbride, who Spartans thrashed 6-0 last midweek, returned to winning ways with a 3-1 triumph over Forfar.

In a topsy-turvy encounter at Borough Briggs, the visitors came from behind three times to earn a well-deserved point.

Marc McNulty, Bradley Whyte, and Cammy Russell were all on target for the Capital outfit, the former netting a 31st-minute penalty following a foul on Mark Stowe.