Match Report - By Steven Mew

Having already been knocked out of the CIS Cup, City travelled up north to Borough Briggs last night to take on 3rd division outfit Elgin City. City manager Michael O'Neill fielded a strong side although reserve keeper Chris McLuskey was given another chance ahead of Craig Nelson.

Martin Johnston and Adam Nelson returned to face their old club and the former netted a spectacular goal to grace any game, whilst the latter came close to scoring.

The home side started brightly and there was a scare for City early on when Hugh Dickson had an effort cleared off the line.

Just minutes later City took the lead when Martin Johnston dispossessed keeper Joe Malin of the ball and he squared for Iain Russell, who slotted into an empty net from 25 yards.

Johnston was having a stormer of a game against his former club and he continued to cause problems for the home side as he hit the bar and was denied twice by Joe Malin.

Elgin battled away but their only real attempts of note was a couple of tame headers from Kenny Gilbert and Mark Smith.

Former Elgin man Adam Nelson nearly scored against his former club but Joe Malin did well to push away the midfielders fierce shot from outside the area.

City were awarded a penalty on the hour mark when Iain Russell was pushed in the box. Russell got up to take the penalty himself and he blasted the ball expertly into the corner to put City in the driving seat.

City continued to put the home side under pressure and 10 minutes later they netted a 3rd goal when Neil Janczyk's 25 yard screamer found the back of the net.

Just four minutes later the inevitable happened as former Elgin favourite Martin Johnston scored a goal to grace any game, a tremendous overhead kick from an Adam Nelson cross after Stuart Callaghan had hit the bar.

A well beaten home side managed a late consolation two minutes from time thanks to a cracking long range effort from Mark Nicolson.

Other Results - Challenge Cup Round 1

Albion Rovers 1 Berwick Rangers 1

Berwick win 4-3 on penalties.

Clyde 1 Queen of the South 0

A goal from Steven Masterton is enough for Clyde.

Dundee 1 Ross County 2

County pick up a fine win against Dundee at Dens.

East Stirlingshire 4 Dumbarton 2

Shire through after a fantastic win against Dumbarton.

Forfar Athletic 3 East Fife 2

Loons edge past East Fife after extra time.

Hamilton Academical 1 Ayr United 2

Second half goals from Moore and Stevenson earn victory for Ayr.

Montrose 5 Stirling Albion 1

Shock of the round as Montrose smash Stirling.

Morton 1 Livingston 0

Morton continue their fine start to the season.

Peterhead 1 Cowdenbeath 0

Peterhead win thanks to a goal in the dying seconds.