First point for Annan

Sep 2 2009 by Our Correspondent, Dumfries Standard Wednesday

ANNAN are still searching for their first league win after a hard-earned point at Borough Briggs kept them off the bottom of the table on goal difference.

The match provided few pointers to this weekend's ALBA Challenge Cup clash between the two but it was Annan who emerged happier with the point.

After dominating most of the first half, Harry Cairney’s side was left hanging on the ropes in the final 20 minutes as Elgin went all out for the winner.

But Greg Kelly was kept well protected by his defence and Elgin did not create too much to trouble the goalkeeper.

The home side had a chance to take the lead after 19 minutes when Peter Watson was adjudged to have fouled the lively Craig Gunn in the penalty area.

But Jason Crooks did not strike the spot-kick convincingly and Kelly was able to make a comfortable save to keep the scoreline level.

It was an opportunity missed that Elgin were to regret as Annan moved in front with a memorable goal seven minutes from half-time.

Bryan Gilfillan spotted Elgin goalkeeper John Gibson off his line and launched an ambitious 45-yard shot which sailed into the net to stun the home crowd.

Gibson managed to get a hand to the ball and there was no doubt the wind assisted Gilfillan’s effort but he deserves praise for spotting an opportunity others would not have.

It was a moment of inspiration that visibly lifted Annan towards half-time and gave them hope they could pick up a victory.

Chances were few and far between in a game that never really caught fire but it was Elgin who came out after the break with renewed vigour.

Gunn had the ball in the net within five minutes of the restart but the “goal” was chalked off by Martin Northcroft.

It was a decision that displeased Ross Jack, the Elgin manager, who felt it was an Annan touch that had set up Gunn and he felt his side had been denied a perfectly good goal.

But the reprieve was only temporary. Gunn equalised with a well-placed header after 54 minutes after David Niven had provided the cross to leave Kelly with no chance.

Elgin took control for long periods after this but Annan were well organised at the back and stuck stubbornly to their guns.

Ross Jack sent on Jake Inglis and Bryan Cameron in the final stages in search of the winning goal but it was Annan who dug deep for the point.

Teams

Elgin City: Gibson; Niven, Dempsie, Kaczan, D Craig, MacDonald, Gunn, MacAulay, Frizzel (Cameron 80), Nicolson, Crooks (Inglis 71). Subs not used: Robertson, Calder, Edwards.

Annan Athletic: Kelly; S Sloan, McBeth, Watson, Neilson, Jack, Muirhead, Gilfillan, Cox (Storey 73), Bell (Jack Steele 73), L Sloan. Subs not used: Summersgill, Jardine, Inglis.

Referee: M Northcroft.

Attendance: 457.