The best is yet to come, vows Ryan

EDINBURGH City’s Ryan Shanley insists he’s almost back to his best as he aims to help fire the Citizens into League One for the first time in their history.

The former Hibs kid scored just minutes after Kristoffer Syvertsen’s header had given Dumbarton hope of a comeback.

And Shanley admits his goal came at just the right moment for City, who now face Annan Athletic in their play-off final on Tuesday and Friday.

He said: “Dumbarton had to go for it and fair play to them for that. But getting the goal when we did was vital to take the pressure off. We’re a big club and feel like we belong at a higher level.”

“I had a few spells out with injury but now I feel like I’m coming back to my best again.”

A nervy first half saw chances at a premium, with Innes Murray denied an opener by Sons

DUMBARTON...1 EDIN CITY ......... 1 EDIN CITY WIN 5-2 ON AGG

goalkeeper Kieran Wright, and Brian Schwake doing well to clutch Carlo Pignatiello’s deflected effort at the other end.

Only a stunning Wright stop from Danny Handling kept the sides level before Dumbarton took the lead when Syvertsen nodded in Kalvin Orsi’s cross.

The Sons’ joy was shortlived as three minutes later Shanley cut inside and drilled beyond Wright to restore City’s aggregate lead.

Ouzy See could have added another but he hit the side netting after rounding Wright.

Interim City boss Alan Maybury said: “We have two games ahead where the rewards are big.”

The Sons will now play fourth-tier football for the first time since 2009 and gaffer Stevie Farrell said: “We deserve to be relegated.”