Accies 4 Elgin City 1: Saturday, 21 October 2000

Accies climbed into second place in the league with this convincing win over Highlanders Elgin city at Firhill. Unsurprisingly, the team was unchanged from the lineup which defeated Dumbarton 7 days previously.

Accies took control of the game from the start and the opening goal after about 13 minutes was a well taken diving header by Michael Moore from an excellent cross by David McFarlane.

Elgin did create a couple of chances, with one of their forwards unable to beat Ian Macfarlane when clean through on goal. They also forced four corners in succession. However, all of them were poorly hit to the front post and knocked behind the goal line by poor Accies defending.

As the half went on it was clear that there was really only one team in the game and the narrow scoreline belied some good play by Accies.

Accies extended their lead 5 minutes into the second half with a penalty from Stuart Callaghan. David McFarlane sprinted past the almost stationary last defender, who hauled him back as he was about to shoot. Astonishingly, the referee didn't even book the defender although he was clearly the last man. Callaghan made an excellent job of the spot kick.

Elgin pulled one back with one of their rare second half attacks. One of their forwards (possibly Daisy "The Coo" Ross), got through the defence and lifted the ball over Ian Macfarlane. The ball hit the face of the bar and rebounded to Stuart Callaghan. Although he had plenty of time to clear, he nodded the ball back into the open goal. It may have hit Ross before it crossed the line so it may not be credited to Callaghan.

As ever, Accies picked up the pace and scored two goals to clinch the game right at the death. Allan Russell ran onto a great through ball from Chris Hillcoat and his fine cross was bulleted into the roof of the net by the diving Michael Moore.

Almost straight away, a poor kickout from the Elgin 'keeper was headed back into the danger zone by Chris Hillcoat. David McFarlane beat the Elgin goalie to the bouncing ball but was fouled in the process. After a bit of mischief, Stuart Callaghan finally handed the ball to Michael Moore, who shot the spot kick low into the corner to complete his first ever hat trick.

It would be churlish to criticise Accies on this performance. They controlled the game from start to finish against inferior opposition. They scored two goals right at the end but you got the feeling that the final whistle saved Elgin from a real hammering.

Elsewhere, Albion Rovers defeated Cowdenbeath 1-0 at Cliftonhill and Brechin beat Dumbarton at Glebe Park. Accies climb into second place in the league, just one point behind Brechin.

Accies are at home to East Stirlingshire on Tuesday at 7.45pm, but will be idle on Saturday.

Accies : Macfarlane, Nelson, Callaghan, Hillcoat, Gaughan, Maclaren, Russell, Prytz (Eadie), Moore, McFarlane and Bonnar.

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