FC Edinburgh kicked off their new era with a penalty shoot out win over Airdrieonians at the Excelsior Stadium.

The hosts were up for a physical game, and the first flashpoint occurred just seven minutes in as Cole Gibson was booked for a rash challenge on John Robertson.

Edinburgh had announced the return of Jack Brydon in the days before the match, and a fantastic goal line clearance from the Hibs loanee kept the scores level.

Callum Smith thought he had fired his side in front on 18 minutes as he ran through on goal and pulled the trigger. His low effort then crashed off the post and away to safety.

The deadlock was broken on 20 minutes as John Robertson drilled a low finish beyond former Edinburgh keeper Josh Rae. Our new number 11 wheeled away in delight after scoring the club’s first competitive goal as FC Edinburgh.

Airdrie would equalise just five minutes later as slack defending allowed Justin Devenney to slot home from close range. The two sides would go in for half time with the scores level.

Intricate passing play just after the restart sent Innes Murray flying through on goal. Edinburgh’s number 23 lashed a powerful strike towards the top left corner which was clawed behind by Rae.

The hosts were awarded a penalty on 51 minutes. Another former Edinburgh man Gabby McGill stepped up to take the spot kick but saw his effort crash off the post. New goalkeeper Sam Ramsbottom pulled off two more excellent saves before the game finished in a draw.

Penalties followed shortly after. Danny Handling scored first before Callum Fordyce converted for Airdrie. Ryan Shanley found the net and then Rhys McCabe was thwarted by the outstanding Ramsbottom.

Mark Docherty slotted home calmly before Callum Smith finally got his goal from the spot. John Robertson then blasted into the roof of the net before another superb save from Ramsbottom denied Adam Frizzell and secured a bonus point for the men in white.