CITY stormed back from 3-1 down at Berwick Rangers to grab a point and keep alive their Irn-Bru Third Division play-off hopes.

The Black and Whites looked to be heading for a fourth straight defeat when their Shielfield Park hosts opened up a two-goal cushion, but City dug deep to earn a valuable share of the spoils.

The point stops the rot and eases City three ahead of Annan Athletic and six clear of Berwick and Peterhead in what could now be a nail-biting finale with just two games left.

Manager Ross Jack made just one change to the side which started the home defeat by Annan, with Paul McMullan replacing the suspended Stuart Leslie.

Paul Millar shook off the effects of a toe injury to lead the attack a Berwick side making a late bid to pip the Black and Whites for the final play-off slot.

And the Wee Gers, looking for a first win against City this season, got off to a flier as they took the lead inside the first minute.

Mark Durnan's second goal since starting his loan spell from St Johnstone midway through the first half looked good enough to see City in at the break level, but a second in stoppage time restored the home side's advantage.

Things got even bleaker for City eight minutes after the break as Berwick opened up a 3-1 lead, but City staged a stirring comeback to grab a point through substitute Jason Crooks and Craig Gunn as the home side finished with 10 men.

City were stunned with less than 30 seconds on the clock as Noble's cross was swept low past Calder by Kevin McDONALD for a shock opener for the hosts.

Craig Gunn almost grabbed a quick response in six minute after latching on to Cameron's through ball, but the striker's parting shot was well saved by keeper Bejaoui.

However, City notched a deserved equaliser in 23 minutes when on-loan St Johnstone defender Mark DURNAN stayed alert to slot home after Bejaoui had parried away his original shot from the edge of the box.

Elgin were in control for much of the first half, with Millar and Gunn both being denied by the home keeper, but they were hit by a real sucker punch on the stroke of half-time. A hopeful Gray cross was headed beyond Calder by Jordon FOSTER to give Berwick a flattering interval lead.

And it looked like turning into another one of those days for the Black and Whites as Berwick stretched their advantage even further eight minutes after the break, with Stuart NOBLE having space and time to fire a spectacular 25-yarder past a helpless Calder.

Many may have dismissed Elgin's chances of hauling themselves back into the game after such a body blow, but the introduction of Jason Crooks for Millar in 73 minutes had an almost immediate effect.

Two minutes after coming on CROOKS robbed Greenhill and played a one-two with Gunn before slotting low past Bejaoui to lift City spirits.

And Berwick were still licking their wounds when City completed a terrific comeback in 77 minutes. Cameron fired over a dangerous cross which GUNN tucked away from close range to bring up goal No 20 for the season.

In a hectic finish, which saw both sides going in search of a clincher, Berwick's Andy McLean picked up a second yellow in 86 minutes.

Berwick Rangers – Bejaoui, Foster, McGlinchey, Notman, McLean, McDonald, Greenhill (Miller 78), Currie, Gray (McLaren 84), Handling, Noble. Subs not used – Barclay, Walker, Ferguson.

Elgin City – Calder, Niven, McMullan (MacPhee 55), Durnan, Duff, O'Donoghue (Beveridge 33), Gunn, Cameron, Millar (Crooks 73), Nicolson, Cooper. Subs not used – Black, Wilson.

Ref – D Somers.

Att – 411.

(Report by Louise Shaw)