ELGIN boss Kenny Gilbert hailed Highland League opponents Wick for giving his players a hard work-out.
City had to battle for victory and player-coach Gilbert said: "Wick didn't make it easy for us and I was delighted with my players' attitude and their fantastic work-rate."
Wick went ahead after 10 minutes through Craig Shearer. Craig Campbell equalised in 19 minutes but Wick regained the lead through Gary Manson.
Martin Charlesworth levelled before the break and City went ahead through Jason Crooks in 71 minutes. Tony Low sealed victory with a 20-yard strike eight minutes later.