How Edinburgh City are finding their groove in the Ladbrokes SPFL
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Even the most optimistic Edinburgh City fan must have been concerned about the capital club’s Ladbrokes SPFL adventure after taking three points in their first 11 games. But Gary Jardine’s men have found their feet in recent weeks.
The Citizens are now unbeaten in seven games in all competitions, with their steely defence clicking into gear, conceding just four times during their impressive ongoing run.
While their defence isn’t the quickest, the experience and technical ability they boast at the back is arguably second to none in the division. Indeed, when you look at City’s defensive options, they were never going to struggle for too long.
Cameroonian stalwart Joe Mbu was a regular in the Cowdenbeath side which climbed to the Championship back in 2012-13, while Chris McKee and Jordan Caddow offer the fearless toughness of a Lowland League background.
At the other end, the Citizens’ well-balanced forward line are beginning to make the difference at the other end.
Former Celtic star and Scotland international Craig Beattie has done the unglamorous work of holding the ball up and providing chances well. Meanwhile, rising star Ouzy See has four Ladbrokes League 2 goals already this season – including a memorable lob in the 1-1 draw at Forfar.
History suggests the Meadowbank Thistle side will continue their good form, with Gary Jardine’s men having comfortably won the Lowland League in each of the last two seasons.
Admittedly this is a step up, but their blips never seem to last long under the steady hand of a manager enjoying his seventh straight season at the City helm.
Though they remain bottom – two points below Montrose – the Citizens actually boast Ladbrokes League 2’s joint best record over the last four games, while the four clubs above them have managed just three wins in their last 20 matches combined.
City are quickly catching up the chasing pack, and with emerging talents like See and experienced, top-class professionals like Mbu and Beattie in their side, the capital club could quickly free themselves from the relegation battle.
Next up for Edinburgh City is a trip to Arbroath, with Jardine’s aces 15/4 for victory, while 9/1 says they win to nil for the fourth game in eight.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
