Ten minutes later it was an almost identical goal, but this time Collins' corner was on the left side, the ball coming off the head of GRANT again and ending up in the net. It was rough justice on Lossiemouth who had arguably been the better team in the first half.

Steven Rattray fed a ball wide to Mark Wood then got on the end of the cross in however just when he seemed destined to nod in a push in the back seemed to unbalance him and the ball flashed wide. The ref awarded a goal kick much to the midfielders frustration.

Minutes later the same man was at it again. He took a pass from David Blackhall and ghosted past three men on his way into the box however his finish wasn't good enough to beat Jim Calder who got down to his left to save with his feet.

The Coasters were threatening the visitors goal and from two David Blackhall corners Mark Wood very nearly opened his account for the season. His first header struck the post, the second flew just inches wide.

At the other end there was a real let off for Lossie when Steven Dixon misjudged a long ball under pressure from Chris Grant, who then lobbed Darren McConnachie from 30 yards. However much to the striker's surprise he was penalised for what must have been a soft, initial foul on the defender.

Half time – Lossiemouth 0 Rothes 2

The Coasters came out for the second half with nothing to lose at two down and were right back in it with two goals in the opening minutes. In 47 minutes, Nathan Sharp was adjudged to have upended Mark Wood just inside the area.  Having given the penalty the ref merely booked Sharp, avoiding a double punishment. Craig MORRISON composed himself to convert the penalty

Two minutes later, a fine move down the right involving Mark Wood and George Russell culminated in Darren Watson crossing for Craig MORRISON to net his second, his to poke volley going in off the post

Both sides went for the win, Rothes going closest through weekend goal hero Ross Duncan on an Ian McRae cutback from 6 yards, the ball flying past the post after a free flowing move by the Speysiders.

This was a really good open match from start to finish, played in a Cup tie atmosphere but at the end of the day it is Elgin City with four points who advance.

Full time – Lossiemouth 2 Rothes 2

Team