Elgin City aim to add two new signings in time to face Forfar Athletic on Monday – with the forward line the focus for boss Gavin Price.
The Moray club expect to have a couple of additions in their squad ahead of their League Two showdown at Station Park, with Caley Thistle’s Lewis Nicolson returning to Inverness after the left-back’s loan spell. It was also confirmed by Raith Rovers on Friday they have recalled defender Greig Young from his loan at Borough Briggs.
Third-placed Elgin are looking to bounce back from their 2-1 home defeat last week against second-placed Stirling Albion, who can add to their eight-point advantage on Saturday afternoon against visitors Stenhousemuir.
Main forward Kane Hester continues to deliver the goals for City, with a stunning return of 22 goals in 27 appearances so far, with in-form midfielder Russell Dingwall on 13 going into the New Year.
Price has been keen during several transfer windows to offer striking support to Hester and he insists that’s what he’s mostly after as the market reopens.
He said: “We’re looking at bringing in two or three good additions in January, which will help us go on and finish off what would be hopefully a good season.
“We need different options in the striking department, to help with our forward play, and that’s the area I’m mainly looking at.
“Hopefully we will get two players in place for the Forfar game.”
Keeper signings great news for Elgin
Last week, Elgin confirmed goalkeepers Thomas McHale, 27, and Daniel Hoban penned extensions to keep them at Borough Briggs until the summer of 2025.
Hoban, who is recovering from a bladder issue, faces surgery in January, with McHale set to level his team-mate’s 14 appearances this term at Forfar on Monday.
Price was delighted to deal the duo in just before Christmas.
He said: “The goalkeepers have been working well and it’s a pity for Daniel right now, because his form was very good this season.
“Daniel and Thomas work very well together and it’s good to have two good keepers at the club and on new contracts.”
SIGNING NEWS
We are delighted to announce both Goalkeepers have signed contract extensions. ✍️
Thomas and Daniel will remain at the Club until Summer 2025.
Safe to say we are in safe hands. Well done lads.
⚫️⚪️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/elQi9Uksad
— Elgin City F.C. (@ElginCityFC) December 24, 2022
Price demands better home results
The Black and Whites finished ninth last term and are in a strong third spot going into 2023, but Price insists there is room for improvement, especially on home turf.
He added: “We’re probably just slightly better than par in terms of where we want to be in the league.
“We’ve been slightly inconsistent at times, particularly at home, which is something we’ll be looking at in the New Year.
“Our away form has been pretty good and we’ve picked up some really decent results on the road.”
Back-to-back victories for Forfar
Elgin have failed to beat second-bottom Forfar this season, with a 2-2 Station Park draw in August coming in a game where City saw Brian Cameron and Angus Mailer red-carded, then the Loons won 1-0 in Moray in October.
The appointment of Ray McKinnon as Forfar manager in November has helped them, and they go into Monday’s match on the back of wins over Albion Rovers and Stenhousemuir, although they’ve not played since that Stenny game on December 10.
Price reckons McKinnon’s arrival makes the Angus outfit a more difficult nut to crack.
He said: “Forfar will be tough. They’ve had a bit of a bounce since Ray McKinnon has come in.
“They’ve got a good squad of players and recent results show they seem to be gelling a little bit better. They’re a good side and we’re expecting a tough game.”
Elgin centre-half Ross Draper is suspended following his red card against Stirling, while midfielder Rory McEwan went off with a hamstring issue, so he will be assessed, but defender Jake Dolzanski returns from his suspension.
After tackling Forfar, Elgin have three successive home fixtures, against East Fife and Annan Athletic on January 7 and 14 in the league, then their Scottish Cup fourth round tie against West of Scotland First Division side Drumchapel United seven days later.
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