It was a season which ultimately ended in disappointment for Edinburgh City but one where they established themselves as a Football League side.
Having endured two years of struggle after winning promotion, manager James McDonaugh built a squad full of experience and talent and they made a fantastic start to the campaign. Striker Blair Henderson was virtually unstoppable and scored 26 goals before the end of the year as the side lost just two league games to sit top of the table.
They were a penalty shoot-out away from reaching the Scottish Challenge Cup final, losing out to Welsh side Connah’s Quay Nomads in February before winning just four of their last eleven games which shattered their hopes of lifting the title. Their loss of form can be largely attributed to a horrendous injury list which got worse as each week passed.
An ankle injury ended Henderson’s season a fortnight early, having finished with an incredible 38 goals in all competitions. His absence was sorely felt as they were comfortably beaten 4-0 on aggregate in the play-off semi-finals by Clyde. The Citizens will be feeling sore having contributed so much before their season fell away at the end.
Calum Antell was an ever-present between the sticks whilst defenders Conrad Balatoni and Robbie McIntyre each missed just a single game. McDonaugh has established the side as real contenders in this division and if he can keep the the squad fit and together, there’s no reason why they can’t challenge for the title again next season.
