A much changed Montrose side took the field at the Meadowbank Stadium for this League 1 game against Edinburgh City. Familiar faces like Sean Dillon, Graham Webster, Paul Watson, Aidan Quinn and Craig Brown were on the bench. The starting eleven were captained by Andrew Steeves who had Williamson as the right back with Gill in goal. Waddell was partnered by Luke Graham in the back line with Gardyne, Callaghan and Thomson in midfield and Lyons was with Machado down the wings with Hester up top.

Referee was Alastair Grieve and it was Montrose who were first out of the blocks and ran the early part of the game confidently. In the first minute Lyons weaved his way into the box but was crowded out. He did the same thing in the second minute but his cross was low and nobody got a touch. At the other end Graham misplaced a pass and it gave Edinburgh a chance but the forward wasted it by shooting wide. It proved to be the only chance Edinburgh would have early on and the only error young Graham would make all afternoon.

Montrose had a corner from a Steeves cross and a second corner found Machado who’s cross was blocked for a third corner. This time the Mo opened the scoring when Luke Graham headed in at the back stick for a 1-0 lead in the 8th minute. 

Still in the first 15 minutes and Edinburgh had a chance but when a goal looked likely the lad missed a sitter and the chance was gone. It was a blow for Edinburgh as the Mo took full advantage on 19 minutes when a well worked cross from Miller Thomson ended in the centre of the 6-yard box and Kane Hester was first to react to put the Mo 2-0 up. 

Hester should have scored again a couple of minutes later but he missed a sitter when clean through. On 25 minutes Blair Lyons also blazed a good chance over the top such was the pressure from the Mo. 

Coming up to the half hour mark and 4 yellow cards were shown, one to Leitch of Edinburgh then one to Crane while the other was to Callaghan for Montrose and a couple of minutes later Gardyne was also yellow carded. Montrose should by that time have been out of sight but weren’t and Edinburgh pulled a goal back on 33 minutes as a hard hit cross was deflected in for an own goal by the unfortunate Kerr Waddell.

More pressure from Edinburgh in what was their only ‘purple patch’ of the day but the Mo held firm and could well have scored again as Hester was harshly ruled offside but it stayed at 2-1 at the break.

No changes to start the second half as Edinburgh took the game to Montrose but not for long. Machado was unlucky with an effort which was blocked then Williamson and Machado again went close but shots were blocked. Montrose were back in almost total control by the 60-minute mark but still only a goal to the good. Edinburgh made two changes on 62 minutes with Crane and Offord off and on came MacDonald and Handling.

Montrose waited until 66 minutes for their first change which saw Machado off and Webster on. Almost immediately Montrose were awarded a penalty for a trip in the box and Webster’s probably first touch was to take the penalty kick. It was hit well but the keeper saved it but was adjudged to have moved too quickly and the referee ordered it to be taken again. This time Michael Gardyne took it and scored to make it 3-1 to the Mo on 69 minutes. It was a decisive goal but even more decisive was another goal a couple of minutes later as Miller Thomson went clean through the defensive line and smashed it past keeper McAdams to make it 4-1 to Montrose on 72 minutes.

In the meantime Edinburgh brought Russell McLean on in place of Shanley and still tried to break the Mo with a couple of corners and free kicks but Gill was in confident mood and well protected by Waddell and Graham in front of him. Montrose made more changes on 78 minutes with Shrive and Brown on and Callaghan and Gardyne off. Lee Hamilton for Edinburgh was yellow carded just on the 18-yard line but the Mo free kick went high and wide.

Into the 82nd minute and Edinburgh made two more changes with Fontaine on and Murray off then Gormley on for Mahon. Montrose responded with Watson and Quinn on for Waddell and Thomson. Still 4-1 to the good and into the last couple of minutes and Craig Brown decided it was time to make it 5-1 on 88 minutes when Webster set him up and he hammered a shot from 15 yards past the stranded keeper McAdams and in of the foot of the post.

The game in large parts was dominated by Montrose who could well have scored more and manager Petrie will have lots to think about when he decides his next starting line up but whoever starts he will know should be able to produce the goods next time out and another good test awaits us with Annan Athletic at Links Park next weekend. 

Report by Steve Doyle

Pic courtesy of Edinburgh City

Post Match Interview https://youtu.be/pVa52pcCGgo?si=jYQEBs-kLeDOpSlQ