The Citizen - Issue 12 - 2023

ISSUE 12

Digital Interactive Programme

THE

CITIZEN EDINBURGH CITY FC OFFICIAL PROGRAMME 2023/24

■ Lee Hamilton – 100 matches

v ALLOA ATHLETIC

Saturday 18 November 2023 3.00pm

MANAGER MICHAEL McINDOE Good afternoon, The players have been working hard on certain aspects of their game that we feel need to improve quickly.

We have played three out of the top four teams in recent weeks, and it has given me a solid gauge on what we need to do more of as a team, in order to start winning games.

The players’ attitude and commitment has been spot on. The desire is there; we just need a little bit more belief.

I have no doubt that the results will come and we will start to make our climb up the table.

We thank you all for coming down today and supporting the team.

I have no doubt that the results will come and we will start to make our climb up the table

Michael

Picture by Tommy Lee Photography edinburghcityfc.com

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CHAIRMAN JOHN DICKSON Hello and welcome everyone once again to Meadowbank for today’s cinch League 1 meeting with Alloa Athletic.

When we last met at the end of September, both teams were under different management, with the Wasps arriving at Meadowbank under the caretaker management of Paddy Connolly. Sitting in sixth place, the men from the Indodrill Stadium have had, by their standards, a mixed bag this season, but they have shown that on their day they can be a match for anyone in the division, so we must be up to the challenge from the first whistle to the last.

Last week we put in a terrific shift against League leaders Falkirk. We worked hard all over the pitch and were able to frustrate our hosts for long periods, whilst carrying a real threat on the counter attack. We felt aggrieved not to take a point, and had VAR been available it would have been interesting to see the analysis of our disallowed goal, but, as they say – that’s football!

I think it’s fair to say that Michael and our new backroom team are working hard to make the side tougher to defeat and more aggressive in possession.

Clearly this will take time, but I am encouraged by the start Michael has made and I have complete confidence that we will turn the corner. Every game now is a big one, and the support of the fans will be critical.

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Since our last home match we have had backroom personnel changes, with physiotherapist Scott Anderson and kit man Ian (Cat) McIntyre moving on. Both Scott and Cat had been with us for over five years, and I would like to thank them both for their hard work and dedication. They have been terrific club servants and will always be welcome back. Replacing them are George Barnes, head physio, and Lex Leadbetter, new kit man.

This season has been a rollercoaster and I don’t see that changing – so strap in and enjoy the ride. We need the fans behind us more than ever!

Enjoy the game everyone!

Yours in sport,

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ROBBIE LEITCH Picture by Tommy Lee Photography

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Edinburgh City v Alloa Athletic | 18-11-2023

WELCOME TO MEADOWBANK

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, welcome once again to Meadowbank Stadium for today’s cinch League 1 fixture with Alloa Athletic, and hope it remains fairly dry this afternoon. We have had mixed results since our last issue. That last match was against Montrose, and although a 5-1 home defeat exaggerated our visitors’ superiority, there is no doubt that we deserved to lose. Giving away two goals in the first 19 minutes is not a springboard to victory.

We followed this with a 4-1 home victory over League 2 side Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic, the held-over semi-final of last season’s East of Scotland (City) Cup competition. This was a morale-boosting win over the club which sits fifth in the cinch League 2 table – although in the interests of accuracy it has to be said that the Rose starting line-up featured edinburghcityfc.com

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many fringe and development players, and our visitors were rather nonplussed when they realised that City were fielding a full-strength side.

Nevertheless it was a match in a recognised senior competition, and if we are counting the East Kilbride disaster as a first-team City match, we are doing the same for this one.

Finally, last week we went to the Falkirk Stadium to face the League leaders, and although we lost 1-2 to the Bairns, it can (and will) be argued that we deserved to draw. In contrast to the game at Meadowbank in September where we were lucky not to suffer a real hiding, City battled for 90 minutes, had a goal chalked off and were denied a corner in time added on with the Bairns on the verge of panicking. Owing to pressure on space the match will be fully reported in the next Citizen. ➤

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NEWS AND COMMENT Our congratulations to Danny Handling, who got his second club hat-trick against the Rose. That puts his City goals total up to 99. Will he reach the ton this afternoon?

We hope that particular milestone is not far in the future – but another milestone has just been passed, by centre-back Lee Hamilton. At the Falkirk Stadium on Saturday Lee, signed from Stranraer on 1 September 2020, made his 100th appearance for Edinburgh City - he should have had more by now, but for a few spells of injury. Although his main talent is stopping goals, especially on the goal-line, he has hit five goals for the club, the most recent being at Montrose back in September.

Well, so much for the good news. We are not yet as badly hit by injuries as we have been in previous seasons, but Ben Stirling and Jack Wilkie have been out for some weeks, while Innes Murray was subbed against Falkirk last week. Aidan McAdams was in an accidental collision in the first minute against Bonnyrigg

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Rose, and missed last week’s match because of the concussion protocol although Andy McNeill proved a superb deputy. Some or all of them might be available this afternoon, however, and we also have resources available in Quinn Mitchell and Ciarán Brian, on loan to Gala Fairydean Rovers and Tranent Juniors respectively; and, of course, the young stars from our Development team.

We have said farewell to another member of the squad. A week ago yesterday left-sided defender/midfielder Kieran MacDonald left Edinburgh City by mutual consent. Kieran, 30, joined us from Hamilton Accies at the start of last season – before that he featured for several clubs, including Clyde, ➤ Edinburgh City v Alloa Athletic | 18-11-2023

We are pleased to announce our new partnership with ABC Executive Coach Hire, who became our new front-of-shirt sponsors from the Hamilton Accies cinch League 1 match on 21st October.

NEWS AND COMMENT Airdrieonians and Raith Rovers. He left Raith as he was not prepared to go fulltime. Macca made 46 appearances in his time with City. Now linked with Gartcairn FA from Airdrie, we wish him all the best for the future.

Meanwhile, off the field but very close to it, pur kit-man Ian “Cat” McIntyre has left to take a well-earned retirement. First into the ground, and last away, we will feature a proper appreciation of him in the next issue.

■ Cat, third from left, with Robbie Mahon and Russell McLean at Annan in August

Something else which is causing concern is the disciplinary situation. Despite the bleatings of certain clubs’ supporters, we are far from being a dirty team – but twelve bookings in our last two matches has pushed us to the top of the yellow cards list, from 24 to 36. Curiously, both matches were refereed by the same official, Alastair Grieve. Eleven different City players saw yellow, so it’s not as if massive amounts of suspensions are building up across the squad. We could maybe have done without the two bookings for dissent, however.

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A little bit of banter from our Twitter team before the match at Falkirk last week. Technically a load of former farmland on the west side of the M9 is part of Grangemouth, and the Falkirk Stadium and the Kelpies have since been situated there; but in the real world, to someone sitting in the main stand Grangemouth is a tangle on the far horizon.

The usual suspects were annoyed, bless them, but Falkirk Twitter returned fire with fire:

Although they modified the original tweet, which said after the waving hand icon, “FC Edinburgh Back to the city” …

Edinburgh City v Alloa Athletic | 18-11-2023

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Edinburgh City v Alloa Athletic | 18-11-2023

WELCOME ALLOA ATHLETIC

We welcome once more to Meadowbank Stadium the players, coaches, officials and supporters of Alloa Athletic. Regular matches against the Wasps have only been a thing for us since last season – the Clackmannanshire men have long been renowned as one of the best parttime teams in the country, and before 2022 they hadn’t been in the same division as City since 1939.

By their own standards Athletic didn’t have a great start to the season, although who are we to talk? In the Viaplay (League) Cup they beat Stenhousemuir 4-1 but went down to Stirling Albion (1-2), St Johnstone (0-4) and Ayr United (0-6). Their opening League fixtures saw them defeat Queen of the South 4-3 before enduring edinburghcityfc.com

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consecutive defeats to Stirling, Kelty and Falkirk. Results improved, although Falkirk and Hamilton are still awkward customers, and the Wasps are slowly climbing the table. They have been in sixth place for the last couple of weeks, ➤

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WELCOME ALLOA ATHLETIC and if they win this afternoon and Queen of the South beat Kelty, Alloa could rise to fourth place. Unfortunately City don’t plan to co-operate with this scenario.

Last week Athletic announced that the club’s manager, Brian Rice, had resigned to take up a coaching position with Premiership side Livingston, and a couple of days ago they announced that skipper Andy Graham would be leading the team as player-manager. Chairman Andy Allan said on the Wasps website, “I’d like to reiterate our best wishes to Brian Rice as he moves on to Livingston.

While he’ll be difficult to follow in the role of manager, with Andy Graham, we’ve got a man who knows the club very well — its inner workings, the players we currently have and their strengths — and

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shares the expectations we have for the club.

“He has been there and done it as a player, served as club captain, has already begun his career in coaching, and we look forward to working with him now as the manager of Alloa Athletic Football Club.” (alloaathletic.co.uk, 15 November 2023) Alloa Athletic are due to play shock troops Dunbar United next week in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Third Round, at New Countess Park. The East of Scotland Premier side have already eliminated Vale of Leithen, Edinburgh University and East Fife.

We hope you all enjoy a good afternoon’s football today, and have a safe journey home.

Edinburgh City v Alloa Athletic | 18-11-2023

Resin Creations Memorials by Yvonne

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PREVIOUS MEETINGS As all the world knows, this (2016-date) is Edinburgh City’s second spell in the Scottish League; the first was between 1931 and 1949.

Most of these encounters took place in the first spell - over eight seasons we met 16 times, with Wasps winning 13, City 2 and a draw. We wouldn’t meet again for around 80 years, a Challenge Cup victory for City in 2018 followed by defeat in the League Cup in 2020.

City were promoted to League 1 in 2022, and League meetings started again - to date, two City wins, two for Wasps and a draw. The first match was at the Indodrill on 13 August 2022. A Sammon header put Wasps ahead in 8 minutes, but a Robertson brace gave City a half-time

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lead. A spectacular Murray free-kick put City further ahead, but MacIver narrowed the gap in 85; Handling restored City’s lead within a minute. 4-2 to City.

The next game was on 19th November that year in Edinburgh, a match which those who were there won’t forget however much the visitors would like to. Athletic were three goals up within 17 minutes, with three headers (two scored

by Andy Graham, who is now Wasps’ player-manager); but a Shanley hat-trick and a goal from Handling gave City all three points. 4-3 to City.

Our only meeting this season so far was at the Indodrill on 30th September - Robbie Leitch opened for City in 61 minutes, but Ally Roy equalised eight minutes later.

Edinburgh City v Alloa Athletic | 18-11-2023

SUPPORTERS @ClubCitizens

NEW CSC PODCAST! On Wednesday last week the Citizens Supporters’ Club released Episode 23 of the CSC Podcast, the very unofficial voice of our support, starring the Reverend Boaby Love, Citizen Neal and Mr Moncs.

The team discuss the appointment of Michael McIndoe and the initial impression he has made upon the Club and the support. Fine performance at Accies, a good win at Annan, the dreadful defeat to Montrose. The fine

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new facilities at Winchburgh, the Under20s and Women’s sides, and refereeing standards are all covered.

The CSC Podcast can be found on Spotify, Apple and other hosting sites – you can get links from CSC Twitter, @ClubCitizens.

Robert Fallon can be contacted on Twitter @ECFCFanRep or email him at fansrep@edinburghcityfc.com

Edinburgh City v Alloa Athletic | 18-11-2023

MEMBERSHIP Help safeguard the Club’s heritage and its future! Become a member of the City Forever Foundation and receive great discounts and benefits. Your membership fees go directly to the manager’s budget.

There are five levels of membership, suitable for any budget:

Gold membership costs £30/month, and benefits include 20% off season tickets, 10% off events, 15% off regular tickets, 10% off merchandise and 15% off club sponsorship options, and more.

Silver membership costs £20/month, and benefits include 15% off season tickets, 10% off events, 10% off regular tickets, 10% off merchandise and 10% off club sponsorship options, and more.

Bronze membership costs £10/month, and benefits include 10% off season tickets, 5% off events, 5% off regular tickets, 10% off merchandise and 10% off club sponsorship options, and more.

Full list of benefits on Fanbase, including prize draw, priority tickets, access to regular club Q&A events, and more.

There are two further membership options: The CITY FOREVER FOUNDATION KIDS CLUB at £10/month has lots of exciting benefits, while the CITIZENS ABROAD MEMBERSHIP (£15/month) gives those who follow us from outside Edinburgh the chance to make a difference.

To apply: To become a member of the City Forever foundation just go into your Fanbase account and click Join at the foot of the screen, scroll through the pages to select the Membership type you want, choose monthly or annual billing and enter your bank details. Payment details are powered by Stripe, a secure checkout service that keeps your financial information safe. edinburghcityfc.com

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AWAY DAYS MONTROSE AND KELTY HEARTS A week today we travel to face MONTROSE in the Third Round of the Scottish Cup. Prices usually £17 adult, £10 concession and £5 under-12.

Links Park Stadium is between the main street and the beach. Whichever way you enter the town, head east. You will come to a broad stretch of parks, running north-to-south. The football ground is on the east side, in Wellington Street, opposite a Bowling Club.

GETTING TO MONTROSE - ROAD Satnav – Wellington Street, Montrose, postcode DD10 8QD. Distance is about 100 miles. Street parking. Quickest route probably M90 to Perth then A90 to Dundee. At the Forfar Road junction continue on A90 for 25 miles then turn right onto A935 through Brechin to Montrose.

Turn right into A92 (North Esk Road), and after half a mile turn left into North Street.

400 yards, and turn right into Wellington Gardens. Links Park (Wellington Street) is third left.

GETTING TO MONTROSE - RAIL Regular service from Waverley, but sometimes have to change at Dundee.

Fares are very variable, so check Scotrail or Trainline websites, or ask at Waverley ticket office. Buy as early as possible as seats may be limited.

Ground 15 minute walk from station.

From High Street, follow John Street/ Union Street for four blocks, then left into Union Place then to Wellington Street (first right).

GETTING TO MONTROSE - BUS No direct service. Bus to Dundee (several operators) - may also need to change at Perth. Bus Dundee-Montrose, Stagecoach X7 from Seagate Bus Station.

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If no Cup replay at Montrose, we are away to KELTY on 2nd December in the League. Prices usually £16 adult, £12 concession and £5 under-16.

The basic plan of Kelty is a big crossroads, with the football ground heading north from Kelty Cross (Main Street, beside The King’s pub.) Main entrance, turn right at Health Centre into Bath Street. Away fans, keep going up Main Street until you get to Kelty Community Centre.

GETTING TO KELTY - ROAD Satnav – Bath Street, Kelty, postcode KY4 0AG. Distance is about 25 miles.

Street parking. Queensferry Crossing, then M90 to Junction 4, and turn right into the A909 to Kelty. At the miniroundabout 1 km further on, turn left into Main Street at the Kings public house. Turn right at the Health Centre into Bath Street, and the ground is 250m on the left, at the far end of a public park.

GETTING TO KELTY - RAIL No station in Kelty, but regular direct services from Edinburgh to Cowdenbeath, 3 miles away - £8.40 return, takes about 50 minutes. From the station, cross the High Street and get any Bay Travel service number which starts with 17 or 18 to Kelty Bath Street (about 15 minutes). Ground is about 200 metres away - down Bath Street for main entrance, along Main Street for away fans’ entrance.

GETTING TO KELTY - BUS Stagecoach East service X56 from Edinburgh to Perth passes through Kelty and stops at Kelty Bath Street. As above, Bath Street for main entrance and Main Street for away fans.

Edinburgh City v Alloa Athletic | 18-11-2023

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Edinburgh City v Alloa Athletic | 18-11-2023

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How to find us:

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Edinburgh City v Alloa Athletic | 18-11-2023

TEAMLINES 4 November 2023

8 November 2023

CINCH LEAGUE 1 MATCHDAY 12 EDINBURGH CITY 1-5 MONTROSE

CITY CUP SEMI-FINAL (2022/23) EDINBURGH CITY 4-1 BONNYRIGG ROSE ATHLETIC

Edinburgh City: (4-3-3): 25. Aidan MacAdams (gk), 18. Kelsey Ewen , 5.

Scott Mercer , 4. Lee Hamilton (capt.) , 30. Callum Crane (MacDonald 62), 8.

Robbie Leitch , 16. Lewis Spence, 23. Innes Murray (Fontaine 82), 11. Kieran Offord (Handling 62), 9. Ryan Shanley (McLean 70), 7. Robbie Mahon (Gormley 82) Substitutes: 1. Andy McNeil (gk), 3. Kieran MacDonald, 10. Danny Handling, 13.

Kyle Jacobs, 14. Russell McLean, 17. Liam Fontaine, 29. Sam Gormley Scorer: Kerr Waddell o.g. (33) CSC Player of the Match: Robbie Mahon Montrose (4-3-3): 1. Cammy Gill (gk), 2.

Ryan Williamson, 5. Kerr Waddell (Watson 85), 18. Luke Graham, 3. Andy Steeves (capt.), 19. Liam Callaghan (Shrive 78), 10. Michael Gardyne (Brown 78), 20.

Miller Thomson (Quinn 85), 23. Matheus Machado (Webster 66), 9. Kane Hester, 11.

Blair Lyon Substitutes: 21. Ross Matthews (gk), 4.

Aidan Quinn, 7. Graham Webster, 8. Paul Watson, 14. Seán Dillon, 15. Harry Craig, 16. Craig Batchelor, 17. Ali Shrive, 22 Craig Brown Scorers: Luke Graham (8), Kane Hester (19), Michael Gardyne (pen. 69), Miller Thomson (72), Craig Brown (88) Referee: Alastair Grieve Assistants: Sean Carr and Scott Bunting Referee Observer: Ian Fyfe Attendance: 386 edinburghcityfc.com

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Edinburgh City: 25. Aidan McAdams (gk) (McNeil 1), 4. Lee Hamilton, 7. Robbie Mahon, 8. Robbie Leitch, 9. Ryan Shanley (McLean 80), 10. Danny Handling (capt.), 16. Lewis Spence (Jacobs 45), 17. Liam Fontaine, 23. Innes Murray (Offord 80), 29.

Sam Gormley , 30. Callum Crane (Ewen 45) Substitutes: 1. Andy McNeil (gk), 11. Kieran Offord, 13. Kyle Jacobs, 14. Russell McLean, 18. Kelsey Ewen Scorers: Danny Handling (18), (pen. 52), (pen. 74), Robbie Mahon (45) CSC Player of the Match: Danny Handling Bonnyrigg Rose: 25. Michael Andrews (gk), 3. Owen Wardell, 5. Callum Gardner, 6. Jackson Innes, 8. Jonny Stewart (capt.) , 9. Kieran McGachie, 12. Robbie McGale, 14. Alieu Badara Faye, 15. Joshua Grigor, 18.

Dean Watson, 20. Smart Osadolor Substitutes: 1. Paddy Martin (gk), 2.

Jayden Bradley, 7. Anestis Chatzidimitrou, 10. Jamie McLeod, 17. Andrew Logan, 21.

Connor Elliott Scorer: Jamie McLeod (55) Referee: Clyde Buchan Assistants: David Dickson and Steven King Referee Observer: Calum Murray Attendance: 221 Booking

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RESULTS AND TEAMLINES 2023-24

26

3 3 3 3 3 1 1

3

5

5 5 5 5 5 5 5

6 6 6 6 6 6

7 7 7 7 7 71 7 71 7

8 8 8 8 8 81 8 8 81 8 8 8

9

71 71 9 9 9 9 9 9

Danny Handling

Ryan Shanley

8 8 8 8 8

11 7 7 7 7 7

4 41 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

7 11

Ouzy See

20

10 10 10 28 10 10 10 10

Kyle Jacons

2 3 3 3 3

51 5 5

Kieran Offord

1 1 1 1 1 1

4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Robbie Leitch

2 2

Robbie Mahon

Kieran MacDonald

Andrew McNeil (gk)

Referee

Sam Ramsbottom (gk) 1 1 1

Ben Stirling

7= 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

426 Colin Whyte 292 Ross Hardie 449 Colin Steven 1404 Calum Scott 806 Peter Stuart 523 Lloyd Wilson 525 Iain Snedden 382 Colin Steven 1096 Stewart Luke 231 Dan McFarlane 434 Lloyd Wilson 265 Peter Stuart 420 Stewart Luke 226 Alastair Grieve 1264 Chris Graham 286 Steven Kirkland 386 Alastair Grieve 221 Clyde Buchan 4282 Alastair Grieve Dan McFarlane

Scott Mercer

(4) (5) (5) (5)

Attendance

Position

Competition

Score

19 Jul Kelty Hearts (H) 3-5 VC 22 Jul Stranraer (A) 1-2 VC 26 Jul Ross County (H) 1-3 VC 29 Jul Greenock Morton (A) 1-4 VC 05 Aug Stirling Albion (A) 0-1 Lg 12 Aug Queen of the South (H) 1-2 Lg 19 Aug Hamilton Academical (H) 0-3 Lg 26 Aug Annan Athletic (A) 2-3 Lg 02 Sep Falkirk (H) 0-2 Lg 09 Sep East Kilbride (H) 1-4 STT 16 Sep Montrose (A) 2-5 Lg 23 Sep Cove Rangers (H) 2-2 Lg 30 Sep Alloa Athletic (A) 1-1 Lg 07 Oct Kelty Hearts (H) 1-4 Lg 21 Oct Hamilton Academical (A) 1-1 Lg 28 Oct Annan Athletic (H) 3-2 Lg 04 Nov Montrose (H) 1-5 Lg 08 Nov Bonnyrigg Rose (H) 4-1 CC 11 Nov Falkirk (A) 1-2 Lg 18 Nov Alloa Athletic (H) Lg 25 Nov Montrose (A) SC3 02 Dec Kelty Hearts (A) Lg 09 Dec Stirling Albion (H) Lg 16 Dec Queen of the South (A) Lg 23 Dec Cove Rangers (A) Lg 30 Dec Hamilton Academical (H) Lg 06 Jan Alloa Athletic (A) Lg 13 Jan Falkirk (H) Lg 20 Jan Reserved date SC4 27 Jan Annan Athletic (A) Lg 03 Feb Kelty Hearts (H) Lg 10 Feb Montrose (A) Lg 17 Feb Queen of the South (H) Lg 24 Feb Stirling Albion (A) Lg 02 Mar Cove Rangers (H) Lg 09 Mar Hamilton Academical (A) Lg 16 Mar Alloa Athletic (H) Lg 23 Mar Falkirk (A) Lg 30 Mar Kelty Hearts (A) Lg 06 Apr Montrose (H) Lg 13 Apr Queen of the South (A) Lg 20 Apr Annan Athletic (H) Lg 27 Apr Stirling Albion (H) Lg 04 May Cove Rangers (A) Lg

Lee Hamilton

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

38.

39.

40.

41..

42.

43.

44.

Opponents

Date

Contract Pla

11 11 11 111 11

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

101 101 10 10 10 10 P 9 10 9 101PP 9 10

9 91 9 9 91

12 - Starter 12 - Substitute used 1 - Goal scored P - Penalty goal

21

23 23 23 23 231

30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30

12 - Substitute not used In scorelines, City score always given first

18

13

30

22

1

17

10

22

3

20

11

7

8

9

Own goals

Gwong-Rwad Peter

Godswill Omojiade

Struan Mair

Joseph McGuiness

Jamie McConnell

Cai Macnamara

Adam Khan

Dylin Izatt (gk)

Iestyn Harries

Jamie Gibson

4

Luke Fyvie

23

Sokari Dublin-Green

Callum Crane

Sam Gormley

Aidan McAdams (gk) 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25

6 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29

26 26 26 25

Brodie Watt

23 23

21 21 21

30 30 30 30 30 30 30

28

Aaron Waller

21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21

Ciarán Brian

Cammy Quate (gk)

Jack Wilkie

Kelsey Ewen

18 20 18 20 18 20 18 201 18 18 18 18 18

19

20 20 20

30

Momodou Sambou

17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17

25 25 25 24 25 24 24 24 24 24

Brodie Devine

16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16

22 23 22 23 22 22 181 22 23 22 231 22 23 22 231 22 23

Elijah Anukam

14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14

6 18 18

20 20 20 20 20

Quinn Mitchell

33 6 14 16 14 16 14 16 14

17 16 17 17

21 21 21 21 21 21

Innes Murray

172 17 33

Liam Fontaine

Development Players

Lewis Spence

Russell McLean

ayers

28 28 19

5

61

24 24

(1)

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COMMENT GUEST WRITER MIKE SMITH One of the better reasons to attend lower division football in Scotland is that you can pretty much plan your life around the football fixtures. Just don’t tell the present Mrs Smith this (I think she already knows – Ed).

I have written in these pages before about how television companies dictate kick-off times, much to the detriment of the people who are usually at the back of the queue so far as consideration goes – the supporters. This proved to be the case once again for the recent Viaplay Cup semi-finals. Our neighbours from up the road, Hibernian, were paired against Aberdeen for their tie at Hampden Park. Cup semi-finals are usually great occasions, much anticipated by the fans who, nevertheless, are expected to part with a not inconsiderable sum of hardearned cash to obtain a ticket.

As Viaplay sponsor the competition you would naturally expect the broadcaster to show both semi-finals exclusively live on their channel (do I sound like I could get a job as a commentator?). The Hibs-Aberdeen tie was scheduled for a Saturday evening, kicking off at 5:15 p.m.

Aberdeen supporters, in particular, have had a lengthy list of away fixtures to attend in recent weeks, as the Red Army follow their team to the continent in the edinburghcityfc.com

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Europa Conference League. My 86-yearold mother, an ardent Dons fan all her life, was bemoaning the fact that her team had something like six out of seven fixtures away from Pittodrie Stadium – not that she is able to travel given her mobility issues, but I took her point.

The attendance at the Hibs-Aberdeen semi-final perhaps told its own story.

There were 28,295 fans at Hampden that Saturday evening, meaning the National Stadium was barely above half empty.

For a national cup semi-final this must surely ring alarm bells in the hallowed corridors of those at the SPFL. With UEFA rules prohibiting the televising of live games at the traditional kick-off time of 3:00 p.m. on a Saturday, Viaplay and the SPFL were left in a difficult position regarding the kick-off time.

The other semi-final, between Heart of Midlothian and Rangers, took place the following day with a 3:00 p.m. kick-off which wasn’t a major inconvenience for supporters – particularly those who live in Glasgow and didn’t have to travel as far as their Edinburgh counterparts ... However, for supporters of either club who had young children and perhaps wanted them to sample a cup semifinal for the first time, the prospect of extra-time and a penalty shoot-out and a finish time of around 6:00 p.m. on a Sunday probably wasn’t the most enticing of prospects. Those of us who rely on public transport will all too readily tell you of the issues of using such a service on a Sunday – engineering works meaning trains replaced by buses, roadworks on motorways, reduced bus services etc.

Rangers will contest the Viaplay Cup final ➤

@EdinburghCityFC

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COMMENT GUEST WRITER MIKE SMITH with Aberdeen on Sunday 17th December.

I wonder which marketing genius thought it would be a great idea to have a major cup final played the week before Christmas. Won’t supporters have other things to do and other things to spend their hard-earned cash on? That weekend will likely see the shops heaving with people looking to buy Christmas presents for loved ones (and not so loved ones) but more than 50,000 people will need to have other things on their minds.

Until recently, the League Cup final was held in March, the onset of spring, a time of lighter evenings and eternal optimism (what’s that? Ed). Moving the final to a week before Christmas doesn’t make commercial sense to me and is yet another inconvenience, both practically and commercially, for fans who are seldom consulted in such matters.

At least supporters of lower League clubs such as Edinburgh City can plan

30

their festive activities knowing their team’s cinch League One fixture at Cove Rangers, scheduled for two days before Santa Claus is due to drop down the chimney, should go ahead at 3:00 p.m. on that day.

That said, my previous experience of going to a game in Aberdeen towards the end of December nearly resulted in my getting hypothermia, so Mother Nature may intervene with the game called off for what is now termed “adverse weather conditions”. But, weather permitting, Citizens will be heading to the Granite City knowing their game won’t be changed to suit the television companies.

What’s that? BBC Alba are now covering cinch League One games live? Oh, jingle bells…

Mike Smith

Twitter @Mike1874 www.fitbason.blogspot.com

Edinburgh City v Alloa Athletic | 18-11-2023

MATCH REPORT EDINBURGH CITY 1 MONTROSE 5 Cinch League 1 – Matchday 12 Pictures by Tommy Lee Photography. edinburghcityfc.com

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MATCH REPORT EDINBURGH CITY 1 MONTROSE 5

Cinch LEAGUE 1. Pictures by Tommy Lee Photography

Our apologies for the lack of a match report for the Montrose game in these pages – although, in light of the scoreline, you may feel that no apology is necessary.

Nevertheless, The Citizen wants to cover every match, and we had things we wanted to say about the heavy home defeat by Montrose.

As it is, we hope that a report will be available in the next edition.

You may have been wondering whether Edinburgh City is producing a match programme at all these days - they are so rarely on sale at home matches. In fact, a programme has been produced for every home match this season apart from the City Cuptie against Bonnyrigg Rose; and, apart from the last Montrose issue, printed versions of these programmes are all available for purchase.

If you are still collecting our programmes - and somebody is, because a pirate version of the Annan digital issue was on sale on eBay at twice the price - please email hello@edinburghcityfc.com, or

speak to the programme editor. A new email address will soon be available soon.

So what’s the problem this season? Our printers have moved from Broxburn to Burntisland, and a courier is now needed to deliver programmes to Edinburgh. The last two issues were received too late to be sold at the game (the Montrose issue hasn’t been received even now). Medical appointments and late submission of articles have caused problems, as has the editor’s dismal time management (I can’t keep on blaming everyone else). But we hope that things will be straightened out by the next issue.

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Edinburgh City v Alloa Athletic | 18-11-2023

NEWS AND COMMENT We mentioned the retirement of kitman Ian “Cat” McIntyre in the earlier news pages, but thanks to a misplaced note we forgot to mention that our physiotherapist Scott Anderson will also be moving on.

Scott was brought to City from Hibs

by James McDonaugh at the start of the 2019/20 season, and immediately established himself as a vital member of the backroom staff.

secure your ticket before the end of November, you will actually get ten matches included in the deal, with the ticket taking in the visit of Stirling Albion on 9th December.

It’s been a challenging season, and Michael and the boys need all the support they can get between now and May as we fight to retain our League 1 status. Our price-point remains the cheapest in the SPFL and include free entry to all our Development and SWF teams’ matches too. Prices: Adults: £85 Concessions: £45 Under 12s: £25 To secure your seat for the second half, visit our FanBase site (see page 30).

We have a designated section in the stand for season ticket holders, and your allocated seat will be emailed to you after purchase.

We hope to see you at Meadowbank!

We will pay a proper tribute to Scott in the next issue, but for the time being we wish him all the best for the future, personally and professionally.

HALF-SEASON TICKETS Join us for the second half! We are delighted to announce our half season tickets are now available.

Given our extremely competitive pricing strategy, we have sold a record number of season tickets for 2023/24.

As we approach the mid-point of the second quarter of the campaign, we are delighted to launch our half-season tickets. As an added incentive, if you edinburghcityfc.com

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Just a reminder – our Women’s team will be at home to Dryburgh Athletic tomorrow, kicking off at 4:00 pm. After a dry spell the girls beat Westdyke last week. Admission will be £4.00 adults, with seniors and under-18 free. @EdinburghCityFC

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SUPPORTERS ROBERT FALLON Good afternoon and hello to all fans attending today’s match against Montrose.

Since my last column, we have appointed a new management team, and I extend a warm welcome from all Citizens to Michael McIndoe and his coaching staff. The first two games of Michael’s tenure have delivered some very promising performances; a hugely deserved point against Hamilton Accies and three points (finally!) against a very stubborn Annan side. We are all looking forward to the coming weeks and there’s certainly going to be some exciting times ahead!

Over the last couple of home games, I have been helping out with our hospitality guests. This has been a great experience, and each group has been very positive about the warm welcome from the club, as well as our partners at the Bellfield Brewery. Many options are available (please see the club website) and if you’ve friends, family or colleagues, this would be a great way to take in a match. As like most clubs, in our League and below, we run on supporters taking the time to volunteer; and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have helped out so far. Whether that be turnstile duty, to hospitality, or to ticket and programme sales, everyone’s work is hugely appreciated, and this is what helps the club run throughout the season.

As you read this, I should hopefully have made my first visit to Winchburgh to view our new training base. This is something the other members of the Board have been keen for me to do, and I’ve been eager to take up this offer. I ’ll hopefully be able to share with you how this looks

34

in my next column.

As always, to finish, I’d like to thank everyone who has listened to the Citizens’ Supporters’ Club podcast.

Your listens and shares are always very welcome and appreciated, and we’re often blown away by the support given to us. We’ll hopefully have new podcast shortly, but we’ve been waiting for the new manager to settle in before recording. We’ve a couple of ideas, for potential pods, but if there’s anything you’d like to see (podcast or anything else), don’t hesitate to get in touch at the following: Twitter: @ClubCitizens or @ECFCFanRep E-mail: fansrep@edinburghcityfc.com Thanks and enjoy today’s game!

Boab

Reprinted from the Montrose programme of 4th November.

Edinburgh City v Alloa Athletic | 18-11-2023

SNIPPETS THE RAMBLING REPORTER Hiya, peeps, from down here in South Tyneside from where I’ve been watching with interest the non-League teams playing in the early rounds of the F.A. Cup. But the vast majority of them have fallen by the wayside leaving me with little or nothing to get my teeth into, so I figured that this week I’d do a bit of travelling, metaphorically speaking. Thank goodness for the Welsh Cup! Most people in Scotland will have heard of THE NEW SAINTS, probably the most successful of current Welsh clubs outside those participating in the English leagues, and frequent participants in the Scottish League’s Challenge Cup, now called the SPFL Trust Trophy, in which they play Arbroath in this season’s quarter final this afternoon. I was attracted to their opponents in the Welsh cup, TRETHOMAS BLUEBIRDS A.F.C. This team play in Ystrad Mynach in South Wales, about six miles from their home village, and they are in the third tier south west of the Welsh Pyramid, so it must have been a delight to learn they were to play the reigning Cymru Premier champions!

No surprise that they lost 7-0. No surprise either that they play in all-blue. They were very pleased with their efforts, though, and many fans took to Facebook to say how proud they were.

The full name of The New Saints is “The New Saints of Oswestry Town & Llansantffraid Football Club”, with 53 characters a mere trifle compared to the 82 characters of fifth-tier side Clwb Pêl Droed Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch Football Club.

Another Welsh village in the third tier, although in the north east section this edinburghcityfc.com

OfficialFCEdinburgh

time, is FLINT MOUNTAIN F.C., who were drawn at home to a team called Canton Liberal. This village is called Pentre Halkyn and, other than the football and a cricket team, it has a shop! Sounds like a “must visit” place to me. Their ground even has a name – Cae-y-castell – and they won their tie by 2-1 against opponents about whom I know nothing, other than they are a third-tier side from Cardiff.

Time for somewhere a bit bigger, I reckon. CARDIFF M.U. F.C. must have more than one shop in the locale of their ground, the Cyncoed Campus Stadium!

Cardiff Metropolitan University, to give them their full name, play in maroon shirts with yellow trim, blue shorts and maroon socks, and the badge features an archer, which is their nickname. They played Mold Alexandra in round 3 last week and beat them by 2-1. This is one of the bigger teams in Wales, playing in the Cymru Premier division at a ground which holds 1,620 people.

BARRY TOWN UNITED F.C. have a bit of history, including against Aberdeen who they played in European competition ➤

@EdinburghCityFC

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SNIPPETS THE RAMBLING REPORTER

■ Llanuwchllyn

back in 1996 and held them to a threeall draw at Jenners Park, although they lost the first leg 3-1. Barry play in the Cymru Premier also, having been promoted last season after a relegation the year before. They play in yellow and blue in all sorts of combinations which this year appears to be a tin of blue paint poured over the shoulders of a yellow shirt. In the Cup, they played a team from Tier 2 called Guilsfield F.C. whom they beat by a single goal.

Now, anybody reading this aloud prepare to have your skills put to the test. LLANUWCHLLYN F.C. – I’m not typing that again! Copy and paste for me – are based near Bala, North East Wales where it’s estimated that 72.5 per cent of the population speak Welsh, so they will have no problem getting their tongues around that name. They are a third tier team and played the muchmore English sounding Buckley Town

36

from Flintshire, where despite being at home Llanuwchllyn lost 1-2. Their badge has a nice red dragon on it and they play in Church Street but that’s about all I can tell you about them. They keep themselves to themselves and I only included them because of their name!

Hopefully by next time there may be more F.A. Cup stuff to tell you about! Or maybe the FENIX trophy will be up and running by then! In case you don’t know about this, it’s a knockout tournament played for throughout the season by specially invited non-league teams from all over Europe. The last two years’ FC United of Manchester have been the UK’s representatives.

More on that to come. Meantime, enjoy today’s game, wrap up warm and have a safe journey home.

Cheers,

Eck

Edinburgh City v Alloa Athletic | 18-11-2023

Picture © 2023 Tommy Lee Photography

AN EDINBURGH CITY SQUAD PICTURE FROM A FEW WEEKS AGO Back row: Danny Handling, Liam Fontaine, Andy McNeil, Kieran MacDonald, Jack Wilkie, Robbie Mahon, Russell McLean, Ryan Shanley, Ciarán Brian, Sam Gormley.

Front row: Lee Hamilton, Kyle Jacobs, Lewis Spence, Callum Crane, Innes Murray, Kieran Offord, Quinn Mitchell. Not in picture: Aidan MacAdams, Cammy Quate, Scott Mercer.

CALL TODAY ON 07475 967 057

MATCH REPORT EDINBURGH CITY 4 BONNYRIGG ROSE ATHLETIC 1 City Cup (2022/23) – Semi-final Pictures by Tommy Lee Photography. edinburghcityfc.com

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MATCH REPORT

EDINBURGH CITY 4 BONNYRIGG ROSE ATHLETIC 1 City Cup semi-final. Pictures by Tommy Lee Photography

Edinburgh, 8 November 2023 – This was our first competitive match against our Midlothian neighbours since May 1955, when we both played in the Mid/ East Division of the Edinburgh & District Junior League, and our first-ever competitive meeting as Senior clubs.

It seems as though in the pre-match arrangements Rose had received the idea that the tie - the semi-final of last season’s East of Scotland (City) Cup was to be played as a match for our respective Development sides. Whether our visitors were told this explicitly, I’m not sure - Twitter did state, two days earlier, that “While the first team take on Bonnyrigg Rose,” and we don’t normally charge £9 for a Development game.

In any case the gaffer decided that, following the 1-5 thumping by Montrose, the full City team would be turning out for this fixture, much to Bonnyrigg’s consternation - their side was packed

40

with youngsters. The team selection did not displease the home support, who had not been impressed by the decision to field an all-development side against East Kilbride’s first team in the SPFL Trophy (Challenge Cup).

With our regular kits being either white or red and black stripes, there wasn’t all that much of a difference between our and Bonnyrigg Rose’s red and white hoops, and our visitors obliged us by wearing their all-yellow change kits.

The weather was fairly pleasant for a November evening, and a reasonable crowd of 221 assembled - including a large number of our Ultras, whose drums upset a few of our neighbours and made my tinnitus flare up again.

City won the toss and opted to shoot towards the Portobello end, with Rose kicking off. The match had a dramatic start. In the first attack of the game, McAdams came out to collect the ball, Edinburgh City v Alloa Athletic | 18-11-2023

MATCH REPORT

EDINBURGH CITY 4 BONNYRIGG ROSE ATHLETIC 1 City Cup semi-final. Pictures by Tommy Lee Photography

sheltered by Fontaine. As Fontaine slowed abruptly visiting striker Smart Osadolor accidentally crashed into his back, the momentum causing Fonts’s forehead to collide with Aidan’s skull.

The City keeper dropped like a stone, and Mr Buchan immediately signalled the City bench. After treatment Aidan was subbed by Andy McNeil. Thankfully he seemed to be ok, but concussion protocols meant that there would be no chance of him facing Falkirk in Saturday’s cinch League 1 fixture.

City had more of the pressure in the early stages of the match, with good passing and running keeping the Rose pinned in their own half; even when the visitors did attack City looked dangerous on the break. The opening goal came in 18

edinburghcityfc.com

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minutes - following a move down the left Mahon found Murray in the box, keeper Andrews blocked but Danny Handling was on hand to jab the loose ball into the net. Mahon almost made it two minutes later, but Andrews pushed his shot into the side netting, and the Rose keeper was the hero again when he saved in quick succession from Murray and Handling.

After massive pressure in which the visitors were pinned in their own half for minutes at a time, City got a second on the stroke of half-time, and it was a peach. Leitch won the ball half-way, and Handling’s low through ball was snapped up by Robbie Mahon who controlled before firing home from the penalty arc, just inside the left-hand post. ➤

@EdinburghCityFC

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MATCH REPORT

EDINBURGH CITY 4 BONNYRIGG ROSE ATHLETIC 1 City Cup semi-final. Pictures by Tommy Lee Photography

The third goal came seven minutes into the second half, Danny Handling on the left cutting into the box and going down after tangling with Robbie McGale. The referee was right on the spot and said the defender had tripped Danny, although the Rose players were not entirely convinced. To be frank I thought it was a very soft penalty at the time, but after viewing the footage at quarter-speed (a luxury Mr Buchan didn’t have) I believe the referee made the right call. Danny took the kick himself and put the ball just inside the left-hand post.

Bonnyrigg seemed cross, and they came out with their best football of the game. Gormley did well to clear a dangerous cross from Osadolor,

42

Fontaine was fortunate not to be penalised for handball in the box, and eventually in 55 minutes Jamie McLeod lashed in a spectacular dipping shot from outside the box which looped over McNeil’s head and into the net.

The game was a lot more even than it had been in the first half, although City were still very dangerous and Murray’s snappy side-foot shot was only kept out by a great reaction save by Michael Andrews, while McGale flicked away a Handling cross headed for Murray.

But City were able to make it four after Danny Handling burst into the box and was tripped by Jayden Bradley, and once again Mr Buchan had a clear view. With the hat-trick on, Danny took it of course, and buried the ball bottom left corner.

Edinburgh City v Alloa Athletic | 18-11-2023

DESIGN & ARTWORKING PRINT, MERCHANDISE & CLOTHING INTERNAL & EXTERNAL SIGNAGE INSTALLATIONS AND MAINTENANCE EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS BESPOKE PROJECTS & ACTIVATIONS WEB & MARKETING

Edinburgh & The Lothians

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14 Dunnet Way, Broxburn EH52 5NN t. 0131 337 7733 e. info@theevolvegroup.co.uk

87 High Street, Burntisland KY3 9AA t. 01592 873 222 e. info@theevolvegroup.co.uk

WOMEN'S TEAM FIXTURES 2023/24 Date

Opponents

Score

Comp

Date

Opponents

Score

Comp

1

20 Aug

Dryburgh Ath. (A)

L 0-2

League

17

21 Jan

Hutchison V. (A)

League

2

27 Aug

Hutchison V. (H)

W 3-0

League

18

28 Jan

Renfrew (H)

League

3

03 Sep

Renfrew (A)

L 1-2

League

19

04 Feb League

4

10 Sep

Morton (H)

D 2-2

League

20

11 Feb

Morton (A)

5

24 Sep

Bonnyrigg R. (H)

W 3-1

Ch L1 Cup

21

18 Feb

East Fife (A)

League

6

01 Oct

East Fife (H)

L 0-7

League

22

25 Feb

Ayr United (A)

League League

7

08 Oct

Ayr United (H)

L 0-4

League

23

03 Mar

8

15 Oct

I.C.T. (A)

L 0-8

League

24

10 Mar

I.C.T. (H)

9

29 Oct

Rossvale (A)

L 0-4

League

25

17 Mar

Rossvale (H)

League

10

05 Nov

Dyce Women (H)

L 0-6

Scottish 2

26

24 Mar

Westdyke (A)

League

W 2-1

11

12 Nov

Westdyke (H)

League

27

12

19 Nov

Dryburgh Ath. (H)

League

28

Dryburgh Ath. (A)

Ch L1 Cup

13

26 Nov

14

03 Dec

29

15

10 Dec

31

16

14 Jan

32

30

More fixtures will be added as Cup competitions are drawn

Scottish Women's Championship P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

Rossvale 9 Inverness Cal. Th. 9 Ayr United F.A. 9 East Fife G.W.F.C. 8 Renfrew Ladies 9 Westdyke C.C. 8 Dryburgh Athletic C.C. 9 Edinburgh City 9 Greenock Morton 9 Hutchison Vale 9

9 7 6 5 4 4 3 2 1 0

0 0 1 0 2 0 1 1 1 0

0 2 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 9

44 37 29 26 25 26 19 8 17 2

8 12 12 15 14 22 14 30 35 71

+36 +25 +17 +11 +11 +4 +5 -22 -18 -69

27 21 19 15 14 12 10 7 4 0

Table as at 12 November.

Rossha Muirhead Our Women's Team are members of the SWF Championship, and play their home matches at Meadowbank Stadium on Sunday afternoons. Kick-off times vary – please check social media as close to kick-off time as you can manage.

Adult admissions £4.00, concessions (inc. seniors) free • twitter.com/EdinburghCityW • https://twitter.com/SWFChampionship • • scotwomensfootball.com/fixtures-and-results/ •

44

Edinburgh City v Alloa Athletic | 18-11-2023

CITY COMMENT It’s becoming a family business!

■ Gordon Murray, former ECFC coach

■ Rebecca Murray, Women’s team

■ Gary Naysmith, former gaffer

■ Niamh Naysmith, Women’s team

■ Ross Macnamara, legendary ex-Captain

■ Cai Macnamara, Development team

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DEVELOPMENT TEAM FIXTURES 2023/24 Date

Opponents

Score

Comp

Date

Opponents

1

11 Aug

The Spartans (H)

L 1-2

League

17

08 Dec

Kelty H. (H)

2

18 Aug

Kelty H. (A)

W 3-2

League

18

19 Jan

Reserved

Score

Comp League

3

25 Aug

East Fife (H)

W 4-3

League

19

26 Jan

East Fife (A)

League

4

01 Sep

Linlithgow R. (H)

W 5-1

League

20

02 Feb

Linlithgow R. (A)

League

5

08 Sep

Tranent J. (A)

PP

League

21

09 Feb

Tranent J. (H)

League

6

22 Sep

Uni. of Stirling (H)

L 1-3

Lg Cup

22

16 Feb

Reserved

7

29 Sep

Cal. Braves (A)

W 2-0

League

23

23 Feb

Edinburgh Uni. (A)

League

8

06 Oct

East Kilbride (H)

W 3-2

League

24

01 Mar

Cal. Braves (H)

League

9

13 Oct

Cumbernauld (A)

W 2-1

League

25

08 Mar

East Kilbride (A)

League

10

20 Oct

Vale of Leven (A)

PP

Ch Cup

26

15 Mar

Reserved

11

27 Oct

Stirling A. (H)

W 3-2

League

27

05 Apr

Cumbernauld (H)

League

12

03 Nov

Uni. of Stirling (A)

PP

League

28

12 Apr

Stirling A. (A)

League

13

10 Nov

Bonnyrigg R. (H)

D 3-3

League

29

19 Apr

Reserved

14

17 Nov

Vale of Leven (A)

Ch Cup

30

03 May

Uni. of Stirling (H)

League

15

24 Nov

Bo'ness United (A)

League

31

10 May Bonnyrigg Rose (A)

League

16

01 Dec

The Spartans (A)

League

32

17 May

Bo'ness United (H)

League

More fixtures will be added as Cup competitions are drawn

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

11 11 9 7 9 10 10 9 11 12 10 6 8 9

8 9 7 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 0

2 1 1 0 2 0 3 1 1 1 1 0 0 1

1 1 1 1 2 5 3 4 7 8 7 4 7 8

33 49 26 32 28 39 29 25 21 18 15 9 11 10

9 13 16 8 21 22 20 17 33 55 40 20 25 46

+24 26 +36 25* +10 22 +24 18 +7 17 +17 15 +9 15 +8 13 -12 10 -37 10 -25 7 -11 6 -14 3 -36 1

Table as at 10 November. * East Kilbride 3 points deducted, ineligible player

Y

CM

CY

Pts

CMY

K

Struan Mair

Our Under-20s are members of the Scottish Lowland Development Football League, and play their home matches at Meadowbank Stadium on Friday evenings, kicking off at 8:00 p.m. www.sldfl.co.uk • twitter.com/OfficialSLDFL/ • www.facebook.com/officialsldfl/

46

M

MY

Scottish Lowland Development League

The Spartans East Kilbride Edinburgh City University of Stirling Bonnyrigg Rose Kelty Hearts East Fife Stirling Albion Cumbernauld Colts Linlithgow Rose Tranent Juniors Edinburgh University Caledonian Braves Bo'ness United

C

Edinburgh City v Alloa Athletic | 18-11-2023

CLUB POLICIES The following is an abridged version of the Club Policies which are given in full on our website, edinburghcityfc.com/ecfc-club-policies/ In any dispute between what is printed here and what is shown on the website, the latter will always take precedence.

STADIUM REGULATIONS 1. All matches are played in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Scottish Football Association, the Scottish Premier League, The Scottish Football League, and the Scottish Lowland Football League.

2. Play is not guaranteed to take place on any particular day or time. The Club may change advertised fixtures without notice and without liability.

3. All supporters must pay for admission in accordance to advertised conditions and rates.

4. Unauthorised persons may not enter upon the field of play. All persons must stay on the spectator side of the barriers.

5. Only authorised persons may offer programmes, food or drink, or anything else for sale in the Stadium.

6. Smoking in no-smoking areas is forbidden by law.

Penalties include a fine and/or criminal prosecution.

7. Nobody may stand in any seating area whilst play is in progress. Offenders may be ejected.

8. Nobody may obstruct gangways, access ways, exits and entrances, or stairways, or climb structures within the Stadium.

9. Mobile telephones and other devices are permitted for personal and private use only.

10. The use of foul or abusive language; racist, discriminatory or sectarian remarks, songs or chants; and the promotion or endorsement of any political organisation are not permitted within the Sports Centre or surrounding areas. F.C. Edinburgh have a separate Anti-Discrimination Policy.

11. It is an offence punishable by law for any person to enter or attempt to enter the Stadium: - Whilst in possession of a prohibited container - Whilst in possession of alcohol - Whilst drunk - Whilst in possession, or under the influence, of any illegal substances - Whilst in possession of flares, smoke bombs, fireworks or similar; All persons entering the Stadium may be searched by the Club Stewards.

12. Articles which could be used as a weapon, or which are regarded as dangerous or unsafe are not permitted. This includes knives, fireworks, smoke canisters, airhorns, flares, weapons, laser devices, bottles, cans, and poles. Anyone in possession of such items will be refused entry or asked to leave.

13. All persons entering the Stadium may be required to submit to search by stewards.

14. The throwing of any objects is not permitted.

15. Persons using parking facilities at the Stadium do so at their own risk.

We are not responsible for damage, accidents or losses.

16. Those using parking facilities must park in a respectful manner and be mindful of other vehicles.

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17. Spectators must exit the Stadium in an orderly manner after the end of the game.

18. I n the event of an emergency instructions will be announced over the public address system. Spectators must follow the advice given, or directions given by Club Stewards.

19. A t all times, the right of admission is reserved by the Club.

20. A ll persons entering are admitted subject to these Regulations and to the applicable Rules and Regulations of the relevant football authorities.

ENTRY TO THE STADIUM SHALL CONSTITUTE ACCEPTANCE OF THESE RULES AND REGULATIONS. FAILURE TO ADHERE TO THEM MAY RESULT IN SEIZURE OF SEASON TICKET, OR A PERMANENT BAN FROM ATTENDING ANY FUTURE HOME GAMES. 21. T he Club reserves the right for its servants, stewards, and agents, and for members of the Police force, to remove from the Stadium any person who does not comply with Stadium regulations and with the rules and regulations of the relevant football authorities, or whose presence in the Stadium is or could reasonably be construed as constituting a source of danger, nuisance or annoyance to other spectators.

UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT POLICY We will not tolerate unacceptable conduct at home or away stadia.

Unacceptable Conduct is conduct which is violent or disorderly.

Violent conduct is actual, attempted or threatened violence against any person, or intentional damage to property.

Disorderly conduct includes: - Conduct which is likely to stir up hatred or ill-will against people based on their presumed membership of the following categories: - Gender, colour, race, nationality (including citizenship) or ethnic or national origin - religious groups or groups with a perceived religious affiliation - Sexual orientation - Transgender identity - Disability or against an individual presumed to be a member of such group.

- Using threatening, abusive or insulting words or conduct - Displaying anything threatening, abusive or insulting - Using words or conduct or displaying anything supporting or opposing an organisation proscribed in terms of the Terrorism Act 2000.

ANY PERSON ENGAGING IN UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT MAY BE SUBJECT TO ANY OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING, AS IS CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE: - Ejection from the stadium; - A temporary or indefinite ban from attending our matches; and/or - Report to the police and possible criminal proceedings.

For the full and authoritative text of F.C.Edinburgh Club Policies, including the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy, the Club Code of Conduct, the Customer Charter, the Anti-Discrimination Policy, the Equal Opportunities Policy, the Disability Discrimination Policy, and the Children’s Rights Policy, please see our website at edinburghcityfc.com/ecfc-club-policies/

Edinburgh City v Alloa Athletic | 18-11-2023

PLAYER STATISTICS 2023/24 # 1

Name

Signed Players Andy McNeil

Signed

From

Squad Start

4

Lee Hamilton

07/2023

Motherwell Loan

07/2020

Stranraer

6

Ben Stirling

01/2023

East Fife

07/2022

Hamilton Acas

5

Scott Mercer

7

Robbie Mahon

07/2023

Motherwell Loan

9

Ouzy See

07/2023

Cove Rangers

07/2020

Albion Rovers

10

Danny Handling

08/2021

Hibernian Dumbarton

13

Kieran Offord

06/2018 08/2023

St Mirren Loan

14

Kyle Jacobs

Russell McLean

07/2023

Dumbarton

17

Liam Fontaine

07/2023

Cove Rangers

20

Jack Wilkie

8 9

11

16

18

Robbie Leitch

Ryan Shanley

Lewis Spence Kelsey Ewen

01/2023 Greenock Morton

07/2022

Dundee

08/2023

Rangers

08/2023

Dundee Loan

12/2018

Hutchison Vale

21

Cammy Quate

25

Aidan McAdams

07/2022

Hibernian

08/2023

Ayr United

30

Callum Crane

08/2023

Gretna 2008

06/2019

Livingston

Dev

Elijah Anukam

23

29

Dev Dev Dev Dev Dev Dev Dev Dev Dev Dev Dev Dev Dev Dev Dev 1

Innes Murray

Sam Gormley Own Goals

Brodie Devine

Sokari Dublin-Green Jamie Gibson

Tynecastle

09/2022 Lothian Thistle HV 07/2023

Bonnyrigg RA

11/2018

Edin City Youth

08/2023

Tynecastle

Adam Khan

11/2020

Hearts

09/2023

Hibernian

Joseph McGuiness

09/2023

Fort William

08/2023

Hutchison Vale

02/2016

Hearts

Dylin Izatt

Jamie McConnell Cai Macnamara Struan Mair

Godswill Omojiade

08/2018

Livingston

07/2023

Civil Service Str

Momodou Sambou

08/2018

Edin City Youth

07/2022

Tynecastle

Gwong-Rwad Peter Aaron Waller

07/2022 Lothian Thistle HV

Brodie Watt

07/2023 Gala Fairydean R

Sam Ramsbottom

08/2023 To Cape Town S.

Out On Loan or Left Club Kieran MacDonald

24 Dev

Quinn Mitchell

Ciarán Brian

07/2022

Left club

09/2023

Loan to Tranent

Luke Fyvie

08/2018

Loan to Gala FR

07/2022

Released

edinburghcityfc.com

OfficialFCEdinburgh

5

1

Not used 3

17

17

0

0

7

2

1

4

3

2

11

17

7

8

17

12

16

14

1

3 7

1 2

1

0

0

12

5

0

18

10

5

14

12

1

12

9

17

14 17

13 9

14 15

8

8

2

6

8

3

0

1

15

13 1

0

0

2

0

1

1

0

0

1

0

1

1

1

1

3

5

3 1

0

1

0

15

1

1 1

6

16

1

3

3

2

0

4

0

4

10

14

0

6

11

-

Iestyn Harries

3

22

12/2021

9

Sub on

0

2

9

-

-

2

1 1 1 1

1

0

0

0

1

1

0

1

2

0 0

0

1

0

1

0 0

4

0

1

2

3

1

0

1

1

0

0

1

1

0

0

6 1

3

1

0

2

2

5

0

0

1

10

4

@EdinburghCityFC

0

0

11

1

0

3

13 9

0

1

1

Goals

6

0

17

1 5

Career 6/0

1

100 / 5

4

0

25 / 0

15

2

10 15 1

1

2

24 / 1 15 / 2

15 / 2

0

163 / 36

6

175 / 49

15

0

47 / 1

13

0

13 / 0

11

0

16 17

14 16

10 9 1

4 1

2

0 1

0

15

4

5

0

10 15

0

87 / 23 14 / 1

16 / 2

44 / 1 11 / 0 9/1

1/0

95 / 18 22 / 0 5/0

0

132 / 4

1

0

6/0

0

0

0/0

1

0

-

3 1

0 1

1

0

1

1

Apps

1

3

1

0 0

1/0

0

0

1

0

1

0

1

0

3

4 5

0

edinburghcityfcofficial

1/0

0

0

3

12

1/0

0/0

0

1

3/0

0

5 1

-

0

0

0 0

0

0

1/0

1/0

4/0 7/0 1/0

5/1

1/0

2/0 1/0

11 / 0

46 / 0 47 / 0 7/0

0/0

EdinburghCityTV

49

02/12 30/03

Alloa Athletic

Stirling Albion

Queen of the South

Montrose

Kelty Hearts

02/09 1-0 30/09 1-1 26/08 1-4 09/12 17/02 06/01 27/01 27/04

21/10 3-1 23/12 09/03 13/04

09/12 13/04

04/11 2-2 12/08 1-3 21/10 0-1 16/09 3-0 23/03 06/01 09/03 17/02

Annan Athletic

23/09 1-1 03/02

Cove Rangers

16/12 20/04

07/10 3-2 24/02

Edinburgh City

18/11 16/03

28/10 3-2 23/09 2-2 20/04 02/03

Falkirk

28/10 3-0 05/08 3-0 02/12 04/05 02/03 06/04

Hamilton Academical

16/09 2-1 29/09 5-0 05/08 1-0 21/10 1-1 16/12 24/02 10/02 13/01 09/03 13/04

Kelty Hearts

19/08 2-1 02/09 1-1 11/11 0-1 02/12 30/12 13/01 16/03 30/03

Montrose

07/10 2-1 11/11 1-1 19/08 0-3 16/09 5-2 28/11 02/03 16/03 30/12 10/02 30/03

Queen of the South

05/08 3-4 19/08 3-1 28/10 0-1 16/12 13/01 30/12 27/04 13/04

Stirling Albion

04/11 0-2 16/12 06/04 04/05

26/08 3-2 23/12 27/01 27/04 23/12 04/05

28/11 06/04

11/11 1-0 12/08 0-1 23/03 10/02

12/08 2-2 04/11 1-0 16/09 2-2 14/11 1-0 26/08 1-2 18/11 10/02 23/03 06/01 09/03 27/01 30/03 02/09 0-2 19/08 0-3 07/10 1-4 04/11 1-5 12/08 1-2 09/12 13/01 30/12 03/02 06/04 17/02 27/04

11/11 2-1 23/03

07/10 0-0 09/12 17/02 20/04 23/12 04/05

23/09 1-5 12/08 0-2 24/02 02/03

30/09 3-2 16/09 1-0 22/08 3-0 03/02 06/01 30/12 26/08 1-0 02/12 27/01 30/03 16/12 27/04

30/09 3-1 28/10 1-0 10/02 13/04

28/10 0-3 05/08 0-2 20/04 17/02

04/11 1-1 23/09 1-2 18/11 16/03 03/02 06/04

11/11 5-0 16/03

09/12 04/05

23/09 1-0 13/01

02/09 2-3 24/02

30/09 2-2 05/08 1-0 21/10 1-2 02/09 2-2 26/08 1-0 02/12 03/02 24/02 09/03 06/01 27/01 23/03

07/10 0-1 02/03 23/12 20/04

D

L

F

A

Pts

Top League Scorer

Avg Att





13 10 3

0

31

9 +22

33 

Callumn Morrison 7

4,360

0

22

P

Falkirk

Hamilton Academical

Falkirk

Edinburgh City

Cove Rangers

Alloa Athletic

Annan Athletic

2023-24 TABLE AND RESULTS

W

GD

Hamilton Academical 13 9 Cove Rangers 12 5 Montrose 12 6

3 4 1

1 3 5

27 18 22

6 +21 14 +4 20 +2

30  19  19 

Euan Henderson 6 Rumarn Burrell 6 C.Brown, K.Hester 4

1,306 584 514

0 3 0

21 16 31

Kelty Hearts Alloa Athletic Stirling Albion Queen of the South

13 13 13 13

5 5 4 4

3 2 2 1

5 6 7 8

19 17 9 16

20 -1 20 -3 21 -12 20 -4

18 17 14 13

Lewis Moore 4 B.Rodden, A.Roy 4 Josh Cooper 2 Gavin Reilly 5

563 768 1,179 1,257

1 1 2 2

23 32 29 30

Annan Athletic

13 2

4

7

17

28 -11

10 

Tommy Goss 5

561

0

25

Edinburgh City

13 1

3

9

15

33 -18

6

D.Handling, I.Murray 3

472

1

36

50

    

Edinburgh City v Alloa Athletic | 18-11-2023

MEET THE REFEREE DAN McFARLANE We welcome today’s match referee Dan McFarlane, from the Aberdeen Referees’ Association.

Although this will be Dan’s fourth time in charge of a City game, it’s only the second time he has officiated in Edinburgh – his Meadowbank debut was on 9th September for the Challenge Cup horror show (ours, not his) against East Kilbride. A referee since 2010, the 29-year-old solicitor was appointed to the Category 1 ranks in 2020, and his first City game was our 4-2 League win at Alloa in August 2022.

Joining Dan this afternoon will be two Category 3 Specialist Assistant Referees – Scott Anderson and Elliott Husband Powton.

Ground: Meadowbank Stadium Registered Office: TBC Email: hello@edinburghcityfc.com Telephone: TBC Chairman: John Dickson CEO: Colin Campbell Board: John Dickson, David Armstrong, Alick Milne Supporters’ Representative to the Board: Robert Fallon Manager: Michael McIndoe Assistant Manager: Kirk Crichton Goalkeeping Coach: Liam Robertson Physiotherapist: George Barnes Kit Man: Lex Leadbetter

edinburghcityfc.com

OfficialFCEdinburgh

Under-20s Coach: Adam Cairnie Women’s Team Management: Lee Zavaroni and Paul Alexander Safety Officer: Andy Kelly Chaplain: Adrian Devlin Matchday Operations: Jim Moore, Andy McDonald Photography: Tommy Lee Photography Videography: Dode Allen Media Social Media: Dave Armstrong Programme Editor: Alick Milne

@EdinburghCityFC

edinburghcityfcofficial

EdinburghCityTV

51

Manager: Michael McIndoe

Manager: Andy Graham

1. Andy McNEIL (gk) 3. Kieran MacDONALD 4. Lee HAMILTON 5. Scott MERCER 6. Kelsey EWEN 7. Robbie MAHON 8. Robbie LEITCH 9. Ryan SHANLEY 10. Danny HANDLING 11. Kieran OFFORD 13. Kyle JACOBS 14. Russell McLEAN 16. Lewis SPENCE 17. Liam FONTAINE © 18. Kelsey EWEN 20. Jack WILKIE 21. Cammy QUATE (gk) 23. Innes MURRAY 25. Aidan McADAMS (gk) 29. Sam GORMLEY 30. Callum CRANE

1.

P.J. MORRISON (gk) 2. Scott TAGGART 3. Euan DEVENEY 4. Steven HETHERINGTON 5. Andy GRAHAM © 6. Morgyn NEILL 7. Kevin CAWLEY 8. Kurtis ROBERTS 9. Luke DONNELLY 10. Brad RODDEN 11. Taylor STEVEN 12. Stefan SCOUGALL 14. Miko VIRTANEN 15. David McKAY 16. Ally ROY 18. Connor SAMMON 19. Steven BUCHANAN 20. Cammy O’DONNELL 21. Keir BURT (gk) 22. Paul McLAREN 23. David DEVINE 25. Jon ROBERTSON 26. Quinn COULSON 27. Josh DEBAYO 28. Bobby WALES 41. Tochukwu OGAYI (gk)

MATCH OFFICIALS: Referee: Dan McFARLANE Assistant Referee: Scott ANDERSON Assistant Referee: Elliott HUSBAND POWTON

NEXT HOME MATCH: CINCH LEAGUE 1

v STIRLING ALBION

Meadowbank Stadium Saturday 9 December 2023 Kick-off 3.00 p.m.