Crucial win keeps City in play-offs hunt
ELGIN City stayed in the Division 3 promotion hunt after twice coming from behind to beat rivals Montrose.
Manager Ross Jack praised the resilience of his team for battling on to win 3-2, courtesy of Paul Harkins' late penalty.
“It was a massive three points. We needed to win, so this keep things ticking over nicely,” he said.
“We've got three games to go now so we need to make sure we take maximum points.”
Midfielder Harkins, who scored with a stunning strike to make it 2-2 before converting the penalty winner on 87 minutes, said the team has a belief that they can reach the play-offs.
“No-one had given up hope and we've managed to keep it going. The importance of this win is huge.”
Elgin looked nervy in the first half, although Stuart Leslie was only denied an early opener by a last ditch Montrose tackle in the six yard box.
Joe Malin in the home goal made two good saves but was beaten by Terry Masson on 28 minutes, after former City player Garry Wood carved open the home defence.
Full back Paul McMullan picked the right time to score his first-ever City goal to equalise two minutes before the break with a crisp left foot effort.
Scott Johnston regained the visitors' lead on 51 minutes before Harkins smashed a great shot into the top corner from 20 yards to level just after the hour.
Both teams chased a winner but it came for Elgin from a penalty award hotly disputed by Montrose.
Skipper David Niven chased a through pass into the box and there was a coming together between him and Johnston, with ref Mat Northcroft deciding the City man had been tugged back.
Harkins kept his cool to beat Montrose sub keeper Sandy Wood from the spot, much to the delight of the majority of supporters in the 777 crowd.
"The boys showed belief and fighting spirit, and I'm absolutely delighted with the win," said manager Jack.
Berwick moved into the play-off positions with a 4-1 win over Queen's Park but are just one point ahead of sixth placed Elgin, who they visit next week.
Elgin: Malin, Niven, McMullan, Crighton, Duff, Cameron, Gunn, Morrison, Leslie (Wyness 80), Harkins, Moore. Subs: Beveridge, McLean, McKinnon, Black.
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