CITY notched their first win in eight starts as they beat Irn-Bru visitors Annan Athletic 3-1 to avenge the defeat they suffered at Galabank at the end of December.

Three first half goals at Borough Briggs set Elgin on their way to a much-needed victory as Ross Jack's side prepare for a tough run of three aways games.

Stuart Leslie (suspended) and Dennis Wyness (injured) were absent for City, but Jamie Duff and Paul Harkins returned to the side after suspension.

Brian Cameron also shook off the knock he picked up at Clyde last week to retain his place, with on-loan Gavin Morrison making his home debut for City.

And the Black and Whites got the start they were after as they swept two ahead inside half an hour in their search to widen the gap between themselves and the visitors.

Daniel MOORE struck the opener in 14 minutes and Paul HARKINS doubled their lead in 23 minutes to give the home side a healthy lead.

Injured skipper David Niven was replaced by Paul McMulland two minutes later, but striker Craig GUNN lifted the spirits again two minutes from the break as he grabbed a deserved third goal for Elgin.

Hopes City would go on to stretch their advantage after the interval were dashed in 54 minutes as Mike DALY reduced the defecit, but Harkins squandered the chance to restore the three-goal gap gap when his penalty kick was pushed over the bar by Mitchell in 67 minutes.

City held on for the points, however, to move them above Montrose, defeated at Stirling, on goal difference and into fourth place in the table.

Elgin City – Malin, Niven (McMullan 25), Morrison, Duff, Crighton, Cameron, Gunn (Beveridge 82), O'Donoghue, Harkins (Millar 78), Nicolson, Moore. Subs not used – Black, McLean.

Annan Athletic – Mitchell, Swinglehurst, McGowan, Blake (Jardine 71), Monaghan (Murray 82), Sloan, Chaplain, McNiff, Orsi, Daly, Hopkirk. Subs not used – Summersgill, Love, Hawke.

Ref – D Roache.

Att – 550.