'We thought it was a two-horse race last season' - James McDonaugh issues warning to Edinburgh City after win over Cowdenbeath

Citizens boss exercising caution despite 12-point lead over third-placed side

Liam Henderson celebrates after opening the scoring for City against Cowdenbeath

Edinburgh City boss James McDonaugh has refuted suggestions only two clubs can now challenge for the Ladbrokes League Two title.

Second-placed City rounded off a 100 per cent record in December with a 2-0 win over Cowdenbeath at Ainslie Park on Saturday, a victory that stretched their lead over their opponents in third to 12 points.

Goals in the second half from Liam Henderson and substitute Jonny Court gave City their fourth win of an impressive month.

Leaders Cove Rangers, two points better off than the Citizens, defeated Elgin City by the same scoreline.

However, McDonaugh rightly pointed out his players relinquished a substantial lead last season to eventually finish third behind Clyde.

“It’s been a good few weeks for us as we’ve beaten the teams first, third and fourth in the league,” McDonaugh said afterwards.

“But we’ve been in this position before where we thought it was a two-horse race last season and we finished third so I think it would be a bit disrespectful to the other sides. We just have to take care of ourselves. There are still a lot of games to go but we’ve given ourselves a good platform to kick on from now.

“I thought the first half on Saturday was terrible. It wasn’t a game for the purists but we always looked the team likely to go and win the game. I’m pleased for the boys.

"It’s a good three points. To be sitting here with 41 points at the turn of the year speaks for itself. The boys got a wee bit of criticism last month about not defending well but we’ve just reeled off three clean sheets against Annan, Stirling and now Cowdenbeath.”

Edinburgh City: Rae, Thomson, Balatoni, Laird, Smith (Court 84), Brown, Handling, Wilson, Shepherd (Stewart 76), L Henderson, Harris (Kane 88). Subs not used: Beveridge, Kennedy, Newman, Shaw.

Cowdenbeath: Morrison, Mullen, Hamilton, Todd, Barr, Miller, Smith (Cox 81), Herd (Buchanan 75), Allan, Taylor, Swann. Subs not used: Valentine, Pyper, Sneddon, Thomas, Whyte.

Referee: John McKendrick.

Attendance: 494.