Edinburgh City take step closer to League One after first-leg victory over Annan

Second-half strikes from Innes Murray and Ryan Shanley gave the Citizens some breathing space ahead of the second leg at Galabank on Friday.

The club are just a couple of months shy from moving back to their spiritual home of Meadowbank – what an added bonus it would be if they were to host the likes of Dunfermline and Falkirk next season in Scottish football's third tier.

Manager Alan Maybury made one change to the side that drew 1-1 with Dumbarton in the semi-final second leg on Saturday, Danny Jardine making way for the return of skipper Robbie McIntyre.

A carnival atmosphere greeted the sides onto the artificial surface at Ainslie Park and there was a reasonable number who had journeyed north from Dumfries and Galloway to lend their support to the club that finished third in the League Two standings.

The hosts have looked far more compact under interim boss Maybury, none more so than front pairing Ouzy See and Shanley who have formed a formidable partnership just when it matters.

City were fast out of the traps and looked in a menacing mood from the off.

Danny Handling rattled the crossbar with an effort from the edge of the 18-yard box in the ninth minute before See's header hit the woodwork for a second time in the 25th minute after goalkeeper Greg Fleming had parried a powerful Callum Crane strike from a tight angle. An almighty stramash ensued with the home players appealing for handball following some desperate Annan defending.

Handling went close again moments later as City continued to press forward at every opportunity.

Murray, on loan from City’s near neighbours Hibs, came close to seeing the net bulge with a 20-yard effort that flew just wide of the far post.

In truth, the Citizens would have been