Edinburgh City record easy win as clubs from around the Lothians get preparations underway

James McDonaugh’s side defeated Civil Service Strollers in one of several matches on Tuesday night

Edinburgh City manager James McDonaugh saw his side run out 4-0 winners on Tuesday evening. Picture: SNS

Edinburgh City had what the Scottish League Two side called “a good run” out on Tuesday evening with a 4-0 friendly victory over Civil Service Strollers as several clubs across Edinburgh and the Lothians got their pre-season preparations underway.

Blair Henderson netted twice from close range in the first half before a Danny Handling penalty made sure of the away win. Ouzy See added the icing on the cake with the fourth after running onto a pinpoint through ball from Alex Harris.

James McDonaugh’s men begin their 2020/21 campaign with a home tie against Livingston on October 6 in the Betfred Cup group stages.

Edinburgh’s Ainslie Park landlords Spartans were in equally convincing form, triumphing 5-2 away to Tynecastle. Doubles from Blair Atkinson and Cameron Dawson, along with a goal from Adam Corbett, ensured a splendid evening for the two clubs from East Pilton.

Last season’s Lowland League runners-up Bonnyrigg Rose came from behind to defeat Broxburn Athletic 3-2 at New Dundas Park. Gordon Donaldson opened the scoring from close range just six minutes into the second half, but Lee Currie quickly equalised with a lovely free-kick from 20 yards. Jamie Docherty put the Rose in front with a spectacular finish before George Hunter added a third with 13 minutes remaining. The visitors were unable to wipe out this deficit, though they were given something else to cheer when Cameron Ross came off the bench to net a delightful solo goal with five minutes left.

Bonnyrigg were narrowly pipped to the title last year by Barry Ferguson’s Kelty Hearts, who endured a tough test against Musselburgh Athletic in match both sides described as being played at a “high tempo”. Musselburgh missed chances at key moments and were made to rue their profligacy when two strikes in quick succession from Ross Philip and Matthew Flynn midway through the second half added to Dougie Hill’s opener.

The match was watched by supporters of both teams as Kelty Hearts were able to broadcast a live stream of the action.

A terrific 30-yard striker from Gregor Lamb gave Penicuik Athletic victory over Haddington Athletic at Penicuik Park. With the scores tied at 1-1, the youngster picked up a loose ball a few yards into the away half before driving forward and unleashing a stunning effort. Aaron Somerville had opened the scoring with a first-half header before Robbie King equalised for Haddington with a well-placed shot that found the back of the net off the far post.

Former Hibs man Lewis Allan netted twice as Whitehill Welfare lost 3-1 at home to Berwick Rangers. The 23-year-old, who made eight appearances for the Hibees, struck both of his finishes in the first half before Calum Smith made sure of the win shortly after the break. Stephen Thompson netted a consolation for Welfare from the penalty spot.

Newtongrange Star made easy work of Pentland Athletic as goals from Liam McIntosh, Evan Glendinning, Tom Davies and a hat-trick from Callum Murray registered a 6-0 win, while Tranent Juniors were also big-winners on Tuesday, hammering Preston Athletic 5-1 away from home.

Message from the editor

While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

Subscribe to the Edinburgh Evening News online and enjoy unlimited access to trusted, fact-checked news and sport from Edinburgh and the Lothians. Visit https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director