Dingwall at double to fire keeper McHale’s ambitions for season

Goalkeeper Thomas McHale feels Elgin have put down an early marker after thumping Stranraer 4-1 at Stair Park.

The visitors simply had too much for the hosts and ran out comfortable winners.

McHale said: “We are never going to get too ahead of ourselves but I think it was a real statement from us. I think people are starting to realise what we are actually about as a club and as a group of boys.

“Not just the 11 on the pitch but the nine on the bench today as well.

“We’ve got people who can step in and do a job anywhere on the park.

“I think that showed today, especially when we brought the young boys on. They came in, did brilliantly and were still creating chances.”

Less than 10 minutes were on the clock when former Stranraer man Smart Osadolor threaded the ball through for Russell Dingwall.

The midfielder was clinical with his finish as he fired across Greg Fleming and into the bottom left corner.

McHale then had to be at its best to keep out a Tom Devitt header.

However, Elgin stepped up a gear after the interval and immediately doubled their advantage.

Kane Hester was given far too much room in the penalty box and he expertly picked his spot beyond Fleming.

Dingwall then turned provider to tee up Conor O’Keefe, who made it two goals in two games by firing home against his former club.

Devitt pulled one back for Stranraer with a header from Andy Stirling’s corner.

But the game was wrapped up three minutes later.

Kieran Mi l l a r was shown a straight red card for bringing down Hester and Dingwall smashed home the penalty.

The goalkeeper felt the team has to aim for the very top of the table.

He said: “Everyone in our dressing room knows what we are capable of and I’m sure every team in the league knows what they are capable of.

“Every team is going for the same goal and if we can keep ticking these games off in the shorter season then come May it could be an exciting time.

“But we are never too far ahead of ourselves.

Stranraer boss Stevie Farrell felt the right team won.

He said: “That’s not good enough, that’s not acceptable and I’ve told the players that as well.

“The players know they let themselves down but ultimately I’m the manager of the club and I take full responsibility for the result today.”

Elgin goalkeeper Thomas McHale.