Elgin City 1 Forfar Athletic 0

Forfar slumped to defeat at Elgin after a disappointing first half display costs the Loons.

The Loons went with an unchanged line up after Saturday’s victory at Bonnyrigg but Elgin started brightly and took the lead after just thirteen minutes.

Marc McCallum punched clear a looping speculative cross but the rebound fell to Ryan Macleman, who coolly slotted into the bottom corner to put the home team one nil.

This rocked the Loons and Elgin smelled blood and won themselves a penalty with their next attack, Ross Draper went down far to easily in the box and the ref pointed to the spot much to the surprise of everyone. Robert jones stepped up for the hosts but McCallum guessed right and was on hand to beat away the spot kick and keep the Loons in the game.

Elgin were fortunate to avoid a red card in the 18th minute when Finn Robson broke down the right hand side and was thwarted by an elbow to the face by Rory MacEwan. The Elgin defender escaped with just a yellow.

The game was scrappy but Forfar eventually carved out a chance when Thomas McHale flapped at a cross, Mark Whatley, however, sliced his volley inches wide of the top corner from inside the box.

The Athies were much improved in the second half and had Elgin pinned back for large periods but it took until the 73rd minute to carve out a real opportunity. Euan Mutale’s volley was well stopped by McHale.

Mutale had a better opportunity a minute later when he got round the back of Elgin’s defence but McHale was able to just about snuff him out.

The Loons were camped on the edge of Elgin’s box and should have equalised when Kieran Inglis cross came into the box. Andy Munro and Cameron Ferguson both failed to make contact from close range when any touch would have prompted an equaliser.

Shortly after, Munro tried his luck from range and his piledriver was inches away from the post with McHale well beaten. Unfortunately it snug wide and out for a goal kick.

The Loons toiled for the rest of the game but a dogged defensive display from the hosts mean they held on and sent the fair number of Forfar fans who made the trip home unhappy.

Next week sees a welcome break from league duties as we travel to Tranent on Scottish Cup duty.

Full details will appear on the club social media channels.