Manager Peter Murphy believes the key in order for Annan Athletic to today get a result at second-placed Edinburgh City could lie in keeping frontman Blair Henderson quiet.

Murphy’s men will expect to come up against the 25-year-old, who produced a remarkable 38-goal haul last season after joining the Citizens from Annan in June 2018, this afternoon (3pm kick-off) at Ainslie Park.

Henderson has not quite been able to reproduce his goal-scoring form this term with only two goals so far since the start of the current league campaign but, nevertheless, Black and Golds boss Murphy is well aware of the threat he could cause to his team.

"We know they have kept most of their squad together from last year, and they were a good team then," said Murphy on James McDonaugh’s men.

"The main thing from last season was, when Blair Henderson wasn’t scoring for them towards the end of the season, they were not as strong. So, I would say he is the player we need to keep quiet.

"Then, hopefully, we can cause them problems at the other end."

As both sides return to action after the international break, Edinburgh currently lie three points behind leaders Cove Rangers on 10 points, while the Galabankies are in fifth, outside the play-off places on goal difference.

Reflecting on Annan’s start, Carlisle United favourite Murphy, who lost the services of the likes of Aidan Smith, Chris Johnston and Scott Hooper this summer, said: "We have [made a good start], especially when you take into account we have only kept hold of a few players from last season’s squad.

"We are still a few games off the end of the first quarter, then we will work out where we are and what we need to aim towards."

"I think the league is going to be very tight this year," added former Republic of Ireland international Murphy.

"Stirling are bottom and don’t have any points yet, but they have a squad of 27 or 28 players, so I’m sure they will start to pick up some results."

Murphy also says he has been pleased with the early performances of former Carlisle United youngster Matty Douglas, with the defender having joined the Black and Golds from Workington Reds in June.

He said: "Matty Douglas, who has joined us from Workington this summer, has played a few games at centre-half and has acquitted himself really well.

"He has come in from a tough league and done really well for us."

Ahead of training on Thursday night, Murphy said he had fitness concerns over striker Tommy Muir, along with Kyle Bradley and Ayrton Sonkur, while Hamilton loan frontman Niyah Joseph will definitely remain sidelined.

“It could give an opportunity to the players who have been waiting,” Murphy said.