Edinburgh’s reserves ground out a solid performance to overcome an aggressive Stirling 3rd XI side at Pefermill on Wednesday.

Dan Wardy’s 10th minute free-kick proved enough to secure victory for the Edinburgh side, his curling effort from 20 yards out bypassing the Stirling defence and baffling the goalkeeper, who completely misjudged the bounce of the ball.

Soon after, left-back Dave Connolly provided a statement of intent with a wide shot for Edinburgh, however the match, at this stage, was patchy and lacking in fluidity.

After the first half-hour, Edinburgh began to take control of the game with efforts from forwards Kyle O’Neill and Tom Timmins, both of which were saved well by the legs of the Stirling ‘keeper, who was clearly keen to make amends for his error which led to the goal.

Just before the half-time whistle, Edinburgh thought they had doubled their lead when Captain Steve Kilshaw scored from a rebounded shot, but his goal was controversially ruled offside by the referee.

The home side were rarely troubled throughout the first half, and produced a number of attacking plays. Left winger, Dan Wardy, proved to be Edinburgh’s best attacking outlet making a number of runs and contributing to the team’s attractive link-up play.

Stirling began to pile on the pressure early in the second half, producing a shot that was fired over the bar after an impressive display of control.

Nonetheless, Edinburgh began to take charge of the game as they did in the first half, with Wardy volleying a ferocious but high shot on 60 minutes and Nick Horowitz heading over soon after.

As Edinburgh continued to press, Stirling began to lose their discipline and should have has a player sent off after catching Timmins from behind. Despite being the last man, the defender was fortunate only to receive a booking. Soon after, an altercation erupted between Edinburgh’s Craig Fraser and another Stirling player, however the situation was quickly diffused by the referee, who received an undue amount of abuse from several Stirling players throughout the second half.

Edinburgh were disappointed not to have been awarded a penalty six minutes from time, when full-back Fraser appeared to be fouled in the area. The home side also came close to doubling their lead in the final moments when Wardy’s shot was cleared off the line by the Stirling defence.

Edinburgh should perhaps have won the game by more than the score-line suggests, nonetheless they displayed excellent organisation in all areas, and put in an extremely disciplined and professional performance against a physical and committed Stirling side.