Struggling Arbroath's late rally can't match determined Elgin

Another poor display by the Lichties on their latest run which has seen us put together some unconvincing results to stay in 4th place

Arbroath went down in a disappointing display to allow Elgin to within 2 points. We've thrashed them for the past 8 successive games, often with healthy scoring margins but this was a bridge too far at Borough Briggs. In front of a healthy 650 crowd, Elgin kept up their good new year run to win fairly comfortably.

As usual in recent games there was plenty disciplinary action with 4 cautions for both sides. Arbroath didn't do a great deal in attack and, when they did, were usually caught offside

Barry Sellars started in the middle with Brazil and Reilly up front

Arbroath had their share of the game but Elgin seemed to have a bit more. Campbell's surging run set up Shallicker to score at the back post after 17 minutes. Then Campbell himself ran on to Sutherland's through ball for their second after 68 minutes.

Arbroath managed a consolation Paul Tosh goal from a Jamie Bishop pass on 84 minutes but it was too little too late. We forced more corners and goal attempts but nothing seriously threatening. In the past few months our attacking and scoring threat has dipped alarmingly

With games against East Fife and Stranraer ahead for the Lichties, and Elgin on a good run, the odds on making that fourth play-off spot are now well in Elgin's favour.

From The Courier:

Arbroath's battle with Elgin for the last slot in the play-offs is shaping up to a nailbiting ending.

A grandstand finish failed to overhaul an Elgin side that took the two clear-cut chances that came their way, while Arbroath missed opportunities to earn the draw.

"If we look back, both goals were avoidable and we had enough chances to win with a couple to spare," said Lichties manager John McGlashan, whose disappointment with the 2-1 result was balanced by his delight at the effort he received from his players. Paul Tosh had a chance to equalise in the last minute but the keeper made a terrific save—but it all came a bit late.

"We played reasonably well and better than in the previous couple of matches when we picked up four points out of six. This keeps us on the edge to the end of the season. It is still a three- horse race and after next week it will be down to two—and that suits me. We know exactly what we have to do. We have a two-point cushion and two hard games ahead."

Arbroath are keeping up their challenge despite half a dozen first- team names being unavailable.  That has been our biggest single problem in the last few weeks," said McGlashan. For example, Brian Scott's hamstring injury re-asserted itself in the warm-up at Elgin and the team lines had already been handed in, so he had to sit on the bench although he was never going to play."

The manager also had praise for Alan Campbell. Last year he was playing for Scone Amateurs and this season has been thrown in at the deep end, playing right-back, centre-back and midfield.He has handled it all extremely well and against Elgin was our best player," McGlashan said.