Fighting spirit helps Edinburgh see off Strathclyde

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Edinburgh’s coach Dougie Samuel, with one eye on Saturday’s crunch Cup tie at Cove Rangers, rested several key players for this BUSA League 1 match, but his side nevertheless showed real character to turn this game around. Ahead at half-time thanks to captain Jamie Redman’s well-worked opener, they fell behind in the second half as Strathclyde gradually gained control, Murray Duff levelling before Callum McIver’s pile-driver gave the visitors the lead. But Edinburgh refused to give in, and Andrew “Cookie” Cook’s goal 15 minutes from time earned his side not just three points, but also a key psychological boost ahead of Saturday’s game.

The potential importance of that game – a win could see them drawn against a Premier League team in the next round – had clearly affected Edinburgh’s preparations, and they started without both Jack Beesley and the influential Michael Hazeldine. They will have been aware, however, that a win was needed here to maintain pressure on resurgent rivals Heriot-Watt in the BUSA Scottish Conference League 1, and they started suitably brightly. Against a Strathclyde side with five men in midfield, a fast, rain-soaked pitch helped them set out their attacking stall early, with both Cook and Chris Woods going close within the first ten minutes.

Edinburgh seemed in control, but after 20 minutes of torrential rain the ground began to deteriorate, interrupting their quick, tight-passing game. Debutant goalkeeper Craig Carroll’s concentration was tested by Duff’s smart turn and shot from the edge of the box on the half hour, but for the most part both teams were reduced to half-chances and snatched shots from distance. So it came as something of a surprise when Stephen Thompson’s fine ball found Cook in space down the right and his cross was met with precision by Jamie Redman to send Edinburgh in one-nil up at the break.

It was Strathclyde, though, who came out stronger in the second half. Within five minutes captain Sean McBride had beaten James Hair on the edge of the Edinburgh box and squared to Duff, who slotted low past Carroll. The defence claimed Duff had been offside but their appeals were rightly ignored by the referee. Strathclyde soon started to look dominant, and Samuel reacted by bringing on Hugh Masters and Liam Hughes for Redman and Peder Beck-Friis. Both had worked tirelessly for an hour with little reward, and it proved to be an inspired change.

But it was not until after McIver had fired Strathclyde into the lead with a low, powerful shot into the bottom corner that the tide began to turn. Within five minutes of that goal Edinburgh were level, the substitute Hughes dispossessing a defender on the 18-yard line and beating Anders Kloven with ease. Five minutes later they were back in front, a fluid attacking move culminating in a finish from Cook that was both well-taken and well-deserved after an energetic performance.

By now Edinburgh were firmly back in control, and a dominant final 15 minutes ensured three points that keep them very much in contention in the league. More than that, their spirited comeback showed the kind of character they will need to compete at a higher level on Saturday afternoon.

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