Defeat but City have every reason to be cheerful

Ross Jack – reasons to be pleased.

Elgin City lost out to two late goals against SPFL side Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday – but there was every reason for manager Ross Jack to be happy with his side.

In a fairly even first half there were few opportunities for either side, although the visitors did come close when Draper sent a header inches wide of the target.  City’s best chance fell to striker Craig Gunn, but he could not pull the ball out of the air in time to get an effort on target when finding himself in some rare space at the heart of the Caley defence.

Fans in the Borough Briggs stand had a bit more action to enjoy in the second 45 minutes, with the visitors enjoying the majority possession but failing to make good use of it in open play.

However, two corner kicks proved  the key to the Elgin City goal.  The first, with 15 minutes of the game remaining, was initially cleared but as it came back at the edge of the area it was clipped by Foran into the path of Warren, who sent a header into the City net.

Seven minutes later Foran moved smartly to the near post with no City defender picking him up, allowing the Caley Thistle man to nod the ball home from another corner.

City boss Ross Jack will mull over four trialists he had on show, Sam Urquhart, Archie MacPhee, Nicky Little and Dachi Khutsishvili.  The manager said: “Caley did have to work hard for their win and I thought we played very well, it was disappointing though to concede twice from set-pieces towards the end and that is something we clearly need to work on.

“Archie MacPhee is keeping himself fit and this was a chance for him to get some time on the park, but if nothing comes up for him then we might be in with a chance of doing a deal.  The same is true for all the players we have had a look at, we have four pre-season games remaining and will take every opportunity.”

City were in action again on Sunday against Highland League side Strathspey Thistle, taking an early lead through Craig Gunn before three quick goals had the Borough Briggs side on the back foot.  However, a superb strike from midfielder Graeme Beveridge and another late strike from Gunn earned a draw.

(Highlights of Elgin City v Inverness CT courtesy of Elgin City TV)

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