Top-of-the-table clash has come at wrong time for injury-hit City says Mcdonaugh

Edinburgh City manager James Mcdonaugh reckons tonight’s table-topping game at home to Peterhead is coming at the wrong time for his side – with seven players out, writes Craig Stewart.

The Citizens lead the Blue Toon by two points but go into battle minus the already injured Andrew Black, John Dunn, Josh Walker, Brad Donaldson, Kieran Stewart and Danny Handling, as well as Robbie Mcintyre, who suffered a head knock in the 2-1 success at Annan on Saturday.

Mcdonaugh said: “Injuries are taking a toll as these guys would all start but the message to the rest of the squad is that this is an opportunity to shine. It is not a great time to be involved in a topof-the-table game as we are stretched thinly and they are at full strength, but we will look to edge the game. If we do that, we will go five points clear, which would be terrific, whereas, if we don’t, the worst we will be is a point behind.”

“We lost 6-1 to Inverness last Tuesday in the Scottish Cup and then went to Annan low on numbers and won 2-1. That tells you a lot about the quality, attitude and energy we have.”

Peterhead manager Jim Mcinally praised City butwants to knock them off their perch. He said: “I am delighted with how well we have done but City have done even better, with 12 wins in 14 games. However, they will be surprised at doing that well and being only two points clear.

“Arbroath are rightly getting a lot of praise for their run in League 1 but there is an argument that Edinburgh City have done even better when you look at cup results.”

Mcinally added: “This is a big game as we want to be at the top of the league but it will not be decisive for either club. Other clubs will strengthen in January and points will be dropped by both us and Edinburgh City. It is not even the halfway point in a marathon, but we would like to get into the leading position.”

Paddy Boyle is the only injury concern for Peterhead after he suffered an ankle injury in Saturday’s 5-0 win at Berwick.