Gavin Price is urging his Elgin City side to rise to the challenge of facing Forfar Athletic in a bid to get their League Two campaign off and running at the third attempt.
The City manager was delighted with their 1-0 midweek win over Dundee United’s B team in the SPFL Trust Trophy.
The fine result earned them a home tie against Stenhousemuir, also of League Two, on August 23.
FT
We move on to the Second Round in the SPFL Trust Trophy thanks to a second half goal from Kane Hester ⚽️
Next up in Round 2 we will face Stenhousemuir FC at home. More info will be released at a later date. pic.twitter.com/8YtZc4ywq2
— Elgin City F.C. (@ElginCityFC) August 9, 2022
That was a welcome result for Price and his squad after losing 3-1 at home to East Fife then drawing 2-2 at Stirling Albion in League 2.
Station Park in Forfar has not been a happy hunting ground for Elgin, with their last victory coming in a 1-0 success in 2008.
However, these meetings are generally tight, with last season ending in two draws and one narrow win apiece.
Elgin ready for challenge of Forfar
Price hopes his players will show their potential against their hosts, who have three points on board after their 2-0 home win against Stranraer.
He said: “We had four very close encounters with Forfar last season. They all could have gone either way.
“We will be ready for that and we will go down there, look to be buoyant as we look to get our first league win of the season.
“We need to try, as early as possible this season, and get some momentum going.
“On Saturday, Forfar away is a really tough fixture, but we will travel with a bit of confidence after Tuesday’s win.”
Elgin saw off Dundee United B side
Striker Kane Hester, who this week signed a two-year deal extension, scored the winner against the young Tangerines this week.
And Price praised his team for standing strong against their talented visitors in order to run out the victors.
He said: “I was very impressed by the performance on Tuesday. Dundee United’s players made it difficult for us at different times in the game, but we managed to find a way to win.
“It was a good run-out for us, so we’re pleased to get through to the next round, get our first win of the season and hopefully that can help us move forward.”
Loan duo aim to make City impact
Elgin recently added two players on loan, with 18-year-old winger Tom Findlay coming in from Dundee and 19-year-old left-back Greig Young on board until January.
Both players featured against Stirling Albion and Dundee United B and the early signs are promised for Price.
He added: “Tom is young for this level of football, but he’s got a great appetite for the game and a great work rate and I think he will do well because of that.
SIGNING NEWS 🖊
We are delighted to announce the signing of young left back Greig Young from Raith Rovers FC on loan.
He will join us initially until January 2023 and join up with todays match squad for the game against Stirling Albion.
Welcome to the club, Greig. pic.twitter.com/Yfc0xaUUgL
— Elgin City F.C. (@ElginCityFC) August 6, 2022
“It’s a good opportunity for him and he’s certainly not let me down in the two games he’s played so far.
“Greig has come in too and he’s a good footballer and will offer good attributes on the (left side) of the park.”
Machado moved for more game-time
One player who moved on from the Black and Whites this week was Brazilian forward Matheus Machado, who has joined Highland League side Rothes on a permanent deal.
The 21-year-old former Caley Thistle youth only signed a one-year deal at Elgin in June, but has failed to nail early regular starts, which prompted his desire to leave.
Price explained letting Machado go worked well for both parties and he hopes he is a hit for the Speysiders.
He said: “We had to balance what we’ve got in the squad. We had to try and also respect his wishes, while also getting a deal for the club which allows more room in the budget which will allow me to get more targets in.
“We wish Matheus all the best. He never let me down and he was a good guy to work with.
“He worked hard for me, but he wanted more game-time (than he could have been promised). I understand that.”