Elgin given derby test by Forres
ELGIN City's preparations for the new season were given a stern test by Forres Mechanics in a seven-goal thriller at Mosset Park.
The Third Division side appeared to be coasting to victory against their Highland League opponents when they led 3-0 at the interval.
But Charlie Rowley's Mechanics battled back after the break, and were unlucky to lose 4-3 in the end.
Jason Crooks opened the scoring for City on eight minutes with a clinical finish, and new signing Stuart Leslie added a second after Craig Frizzel's shot was blocked into his path.
A foul by Graham Fraser on Frizzel presented Elgin with a penalty on the half hour, which Crooks converted with ease.
Scott Moore got one back early in the second half, before sub Craig Gunn's near post finish made it 4-1 to the SFL side.
Mechanics held the upper hand after that, with Simon Allan smashing home a brilliant 25 yard free kick and Moore adding his own second.
But despite a couple of late scares, City held on to record their four straight pre-season win against Highland League opposition.
City's campaign kicks off on Saturday in the Ramsdens Cup against Ross County, whose manager Derek Adams was in the Mosset Park stands spying on his opponents.
Forres, meantime, must wait until Tuesday, July 26 before their season gets underway. The Can Cans make the long trip to Lochaber to begin their defence of the North of Scotland Cup against Fort William.
