Despite a challenging first leg, Elgin City remains hopeful for a turnaround.
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Elgin City Football Club’s manager, Allan Hale, remains optimistic about his team’s chances of success despite a dramatic 4-2 loss to Annan Athletic in the first leg of the League One play-off semi-final. The match, which saw all six goals scored in the first half, has left Elgin with a challenging task ahead as they prepare for the return leg.
Elgin’s journey to the play-offs
Elgin City secured their spot in the promotion play-offs after finishing fourth in League Two, marking a significant achievement for the club as they aim to ascend to the third tier of Scottish football for the first time in 25 years.
The Moray club’s journey has been marked by determination and resilience, and Hale believes that this character will be crucial in their upcoming match against Annan.
A rollercoaster first leg
The first leg was a thrilling encounter, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess. Annan took the lead early on with a header from Tommy Goss, only for Elgin to equalize through Ryan Sargent shortly after. However, the match quickly turned in Annan’s favor as they scored two quick goals, leaving Elgin trailing 3-1. Despite a late first-half goal from Jack Murray, which provided a glimmer of hope, Elgin struggled to find their rhythm in the second half.
Looking ahead to the second leg
As Elgin prepares for the return leg at Galabank, Hale emphasizes the need for his team to learn from their mistakes. He acknowledged that the goals conceded were uncharacteristic and attributed the team’s struggles to the physicality of Annan’s attacking players. Hale stated, “We need to cut out the naivety we showed in periods of the game. This Elgin side has character in abundance, and we’re going to Annan to try and win the game.” The manager’s confidence in his squad’s ability to turn the tie around is evident, and the players will be looking to deliver a strong performance to keep their promotion hopes alive.
Other play-off matchups
In other play-off action, Cove Rangers and Queen of the South played to a goalless draw, setting up a tense Championship play-off semi-final shootout. Cove’s manager, Paul Hartley, expressed satisfaction with his team’s disciplined performance, highlighting the importance of maintaining focus in the upcoming match. With the stakes high across the league, fans can expect an exciting conclusion to the play-off series.
As the second leg approaches, Elgin City will be counting on their supporters to rally behind them in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. The team’s determination and fighting spirit will be put to the test as they seek to overturn the deficit and secure a place in the next round of the play-offs.
