City too slick for Preston

The clash at Meadowbank  between two sides desperate for points proved highly entertaining.

Preston nearly took the lead in the third minute but Sean Martin’s shot was cleared off the line by Fusco. City claimed first blood though when, following a corner, the ball was cleared as far as Guthrie who shot into the bottom corner. The home side increased their lead soon after as the ball broke to Dingwall who lobbed in to the net. Preston’s Scott wasted a good chance, firing a cross over before City grabbed a third goal as Gair deflected Fusco’s free kick in.

Preston’s task was made more difficult in the 65th minute when their trialist received a second yellow card for a foul. City went four up soon after as Fusco played the ball to Guthrie who shot home. City went nap when Stenhouse robbed a defender and rolled the ball in from close range.

Edinburgh City: Stobie, Fusco, Dingwall, McLean, Bain, Vanson, Guthrie, Gair, R Ross, Stenhouse, Howat. Subs: Devlin, Clapperton, Elliot, Torrance, MacNamara.

Preston Athletic: Gilbertson, Stewart, O’Hara, Barr, Morrison, Newby, Trialist, Scott, Martin, Arthur, Cherrie. Subs: Kerr, Nisbet, Cairnie, Nwanze, Colquhoun.