Elgin City reach the play-offs
ELGIN City skipper David Niven said the club has made history by reaching the Division 3 play-offs for the first time.
The Black and Whites' 2-1 win over Montrose, combined with nearest rivals Annan's defeat against Peterhead, means City will take on either Forfar or Albion Rovers in a two-legged play-off semi.
See exclusive Northern Scot video (right) of the scenes on the pitch at full time.
Captain Niven led the team's celebrations at full time, and said they would continue with City's play of the year awards being held later that night.
“We just made history for Elgin City,” Niven said. “the boys have been absolutely fantastic all the way through and I think it's thoroughly deserved.”
A brilliant goal by Craig Gunn – his 21 of the season – put Elgin in front before Archie MacPhee made it 2-0. Martin Boyle pulled one back, but nothing was going to get in the way of a Moray celebration as City comfortably held on for full time.
Niven said: “I'm sure we'll enjoy our night, and then we'll start preparing for the play-offs.
“It's now all about making sure we've got a good chance of making the Second Division.”
Manager Ross Jack was hoarse and emotional at full time as he hailed the efforts of his team.
“It's just fantastic,” he said. “There's been some pent up emotion for weeks and we maybe should have had the job done by now, but we've made it.
“The performance and the result today were both absolutely outstanding.
“We've not come this far just to make the play-offs. I've said to the players we want to try and overcome the next hurdle, and the one after that.
“We don't know who we will play in the play-offs and we don't care. Reaching there was our first objective and now we want to take it further.”
Elgin first threatened when Alex Cooper fired wide from 20 yards and Paul Millar saw a header tipped over by Sandy Wood. At the other end Martin Boyle was put clean through only to shoot weakly, allowing keeper Zander Clark to save.
The deadlock was broken in spectacular fashion for City when Craig Gunn weaved his way across the edge of the box and curled a superb effort into the top corner.
City added to their lead on 56 minutes when Alex Cooper and Brian Cameron combined to tee up Paul Millar, whose back-heel was slotted home by Archie MacPhee.
Martin Boyle pulled one back on 75 minutes but Elgin comfortably held on, to the delight of a 900 strong home crowd.
Elgin: Clark, Durnan, Duff, Niven, Gunn, Leslie (Beveridge 72), Millar (Crooks 67), Nicolson, MacPhee. Subs: McMullan, McLean, Calder.
Don't miss Friday's Northern Scot for full report and reaction.
