City in recovery mode after Athletic’s shock to system

Timely jolt: McGovern looking for return to form after Annan loss

Elgin City captain Jon-Paul McGovern believes familiarity is the key to bringing success to Borough Briggs this season.

Jim Weir’s side has recovered from a woeful Betfred Cup campaign, losing all four group games, by making a strong start in League 2 and McGovern says the tough cup results can bring a long-term benefit.

He said: “We had a really hard pre-season due to players getting to know each other, but the manager has found a system which suits the players and that’s been shown in the results we’ve been getting.”

The Black and Whites’ four-game winning streak was brought to an end by a 1-0 home defeat to Annan last week but McGovern insists confidence has not been dented. He said: “The first half last week was as poor as we have played this season, but in the second half we created enough chances to win two games.

“That’s no disrespect to Annan Athletic, it’s a reflection of how well we played in the second half and although the loss brought our run of wins to an end we’re keen to keep the momentum going.”

City travel to Berwick today aiming to get back to winning ways and close the gap on leaders Stirling Albion, who have a one point advantage on Stenhousemuir at the top.

Berwick, now managed by Robbie Horn, are sitting eighth in the table with only six points from their opening five fixtures but McGovern is wary of the Shielfield Park side.

McGovern said: “Berwick will be tough, especially away from home. Results have shown every game is hard in this league and you just need to look at Clyde beating Stirling Albion last Saturday to see how difficult the division is going to be this season.

“They’ll be hoping to get their season going but we want to show the Annan result was a blip by getting all three points.”

“The first half last week was as poor as we have played”

The former Celtic and Swindon defender, who joined the club from Clyde in the summer, has settled quickly and hopes he can help City win promotion this term.

The 36-year-old said: “I’m loving it at Elgin. The move here has been everything I hoped it would be and more. I’m hoping my experience is benefiting the team and I’d like to think I’m contributing on the pitch as well.

“I’ve joined a really good group of players and I believe we can challenge this year.”