City’s dream in tatters as Motherwell leave it late

Edinburgh City were left heartbroken when Elliot Frear struck a late winner to seal Motherwell’s passage through to the Betfred Cup second round as Group F winners.

City, who were only promoted to the professional ranks last summer, looked on course to celebrate the greatest result in their history when Ashley Grimes struck against the run of play in the 69th minute.

But their joy was short lived as substitute Chris Cadden levelled five minutes later before Frear struck a dagger through the part-timers’ hopes of a share of the spoils.

Motherwell went into the game without soughtafter striker Louis Moult and they missed his presence in attack.

Ryan Bowman wasted a chance to score after ten seconds from a poor pass back. Summer recruit Alex Fisher missed four firsthalf opportunities.

Fisher went into the game looking to open his account for his new employers and his desperation to find the target was palpable, as was his annoyance with himself as he glanced a header wide in the 31st minute from a Bowman cross when he should have broken the deadlock.

Against all the odds, City climbed off the ropes to take a shock lead in the 69th minute.

Josh Walker showed great composure in his own congested box to pick out Grimes. The former Manchester City trainee sped past Cedric Kipre and slotted the ball beyond Trevor Carson.

However, the hosts’ joy was short-lived as Cadden made Motherwell’s pressure count five minutes later. The winger got on the end of Jack Mcmillan’s low drive to find the net from close range.

Frear left the hosts heartbroken with the winner a minute from time.

City were holding on for penalties but Frear connected with Cadden’s cross to give the visitors victory.