Elgin 2-3 Stranraer

Apr 13 2008 Paul Scott Reports

GUTTED Elgin assistant gaffer Kenny Gilbert refused to write off his side's play-off hopes after blowing a great chance to get back into the promotion reckoning.

With rivals Arbroath crashing to defeat at home to East Stirling, City could have moved just a point off fourth spot with a win.

But they shipped two goals in the last seven minutes as second-placed Stranraer stormed back to win a thrilling match.

Gilbert said: "We heard Arbroath were getting beat and things were looking good but we never did enough to kill Stranraer off and we're really disappointed. But we're still in with a chance of the play-offs."

Elgin bounced back from Gregory Tade's early opener to get their noses in front through a Zander Sutherland double.

But they let it slip late on as Jamie Cochrane levelled before Andy Gibson cracked home a spectacular winner for Stranraer.

Blues boss Derek Ferguson was thrilled for Gibson and claimed he was a fitting match-winner.

He said: "Gibby was one of the first lads I re-signed for next term because he's a cracking player.

"He's capable of scoring great goals and we're lucky to have him because he's a quality player."

Stranraer made the perfect start by opening the scoring in 10 minutes. Tade challenged Ally Ridgers for Gibson's cross and was perfectly placed to tap home when the keeper spilled the ball.

Michael Mullen then should have bagged a second from Darren Gribben's pass but Ridgers saved his scuffed effort. Elgin hit back with a Ross O'Donoghue effort that struck the bar before the same player fired a shot wide.

Craig Campbell then whipped in a dangerous cross after a 70-yard run down the left but there were no takers in the Stranraer box.

City finally levelled with a scrappy goal two minutes before the break. Mark Nicolson crossed from the right and on-loan Caley Thistle midfielder Sutherland appeared to get the final touch.

The match was delayed for 10 minutes at the start of the second half when goalie Ridgers injured his head in a clash with Tade.

But he played on and saw Sutherland grab his second in 62 when he majestically headed home Campbell's cross.

Stranraer gaffer Ferguson then threw on substitutes Stephen McConologue and Cochrane and the move paid off with the leveller in 83 minutes.

Ridgers parried a fierce shot from Gibson and Cochrane was on hand to shoot home.

Stranraer then grabbed the winner four minutes later as Gibson curled a stunning 25-yard strike over Ridgers.

HERO

ANDY GIBSON was in sparkling form and set up Stranraer's first two goals before scoring his spectacular winner. A huge threat for the entire game.

VILLAIN

ELGIN keeper Ally Ridgers was at fault for at least two goals and ended up with a broken nose for his troubles after a clash with Gregory Tade.