Billy Mckay hat-trick put paid to City’s dream start
Grivosti (9), Cameron (22)
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Mckay (38, 40, 67), Jamieson (72)
Hat-trick hero Billy Mckay fired Inverness Caley Thistle into the last eight of the SPFL Trust Trophy.
The Northern Irish striker pounced with two goals in 90 seconds to haul the Championship leaders back into the game from 2-0 down before half-time.
And he completed a terrific hat-trick with a low drive in the 67th minute before on-loan St Mirren striker Lewis Jamieson coolly lobbed Tom Mchale in the Elgin goal to seal the win in the 72nd minute.
Mckay said: “I thought we were playing well and they caught us on the break twice, but fair play to the lads, we stuck at it and created good chances.
“In the end we probably could have won by more.”
“They made a tie out of it which was great for the fans.
“We showed great character to come back and get the four goals.
“I have had to be patient. I have shown the manager what I can do and hopefully I can get back in the team.”
Caley Jags coach Barry Wilson added: “We played a lot of good stuff in the first half but two bad mistakes and we were 2-0 down.
“We felt we were playing well enough and at a good tempo so the chances were going to come.
“The 10-15 minutes before half-time was huge.
“They gave us everything and had to work really, really hard.
“If we get balls across the six-yard box we know Billy will score.”
Elgin boss Gavin Price said: “It was an opportunity missed.
“I am pleased with how the players went about their business but we are kicking ourselves after being two goals ahead.”
The League Two side had stunned Billy Dodds’ side with a ninth minute opener.
Tom Grivosti, on loan from Highland neighbours Ross County, headed home the from Archie Macphee’s corner after just nine minutes for the perfect start.
And when midfielder Brian Cameron, a veteran of more than 400 games for his home town club, thundered in a second in the 22nd minute, Elgin City fans were in dreamland.
However, former Wigan and Ross County striker Mckay drilled in a raking left foot effort in the 38th minute to get Caley back into the game.
And he popped up with a close range header inside two minutes to turn the game on its head.
Elgin tried to rally after the break and Macphee saw a powerful shot saved by Cammy Mckay.
However, Caley showed their class when Shane Sutherland set up Mckay to fire low past Mchale, before teenager Jamieson added a classy fourth.