Date	Saturday, 14 May 1994
Competition	Highland League
Fixture/Score	Elgin City 1:3 Ross County
Venue	Borough Briggs
Attendance
Referee	Kevin Bisset
Comments	Match Report Report by Ritchie McNab for the Press & Journal. Elgin City 1 Ross County 3 Ross County have been dealt a severe setback as they prepare for their new venture into Scottish League football next season with the news that central defender Johnston Bellshaw will miss the big kick-off in August due to ruptured ligaments in his left ankle. The tall defender, who has been the linchpin in County's defence since signing from Caley four seasons ago, will have his leg in plaster for at least six weeks and it could be well into September before he commences even light training. A disappointed Bellshaw said: "This has come as a bitter blow for me. I was shocked when the surgeon who performed the operation told me the full extent of the damage. "It would appear that he found signs of a previous injury that hadn't healed up as well as it should have so they have had to insert a screw to keep the bone in place during the healing period." Ross County said their farewells to the Press and Journal Highland League on Saturday with a well-merited 3-1 victory over Elgin City at Borough Briggs. City's Russell Mackay missed a vital 17th-minute penalty when he was brought down by Gordon Connelly. Elgin City were without utility player John Mutch, who is on holiday in Greece, and suspended central defender Willie Furphy. With the non-appearance of Jim Cowell, City were forced to draft in trialists Alan Campbell, Scott Mann and Colin Mitchell from junior side Bishopmill United. City once again failed to impress their fans, leaving manager Ian Fleming with unenviable task of now having to build a side capable of challenging for honours. County, with Gary Campbell at full back in place of the injured Chris Somerville, went ahead in 39 minutes. Alan DUFF appeared out of nowhere to head Barry Wilson's in-swinging corner kick past Hinchcliffe. Elgin tried hard after the break to get on level terms but they were caught cold when the visitors increased their lead in 58 minutes. Duff ran on to a through ball from Ferries before sending his parting shot against the upright but Barry WILSON following up, calmly tucked the ball behind Hinchcliffe from close range. Slackness in the visiting defence allowed Elgin to narrow the gap in 79 minutes. A cross from the right found Neil McLENNAN, who scored with a left foot angled shot from 15 yards. Elgin's joy was short lived when County re-established their two-goal advantage within two minutes. Sub Brian GRANT took full advantage of a defensive mix-up to beat Hinchcliffe with a firm drive from 16 yards. County boss Bobby Wilson said: "We shall miss the many friends we have made and I would like to take this opportunity to convey our thanks to them for their hospitality and kindness they have shown to everyone connected with Ross County throughout the years."
Ross County
Manager	Robert (Bobby) Wilson
Starting 11	1: Ross Cathcart, 2: Gary Campbell, 3: Craig Reid, 4: Robert (Robbie) Williamson, 5: Alexander (Sandy) MacLeod, 6: Cameron Robertson, 7: Keith (Billy) Ferries, 8: Gary Ross, 9: Alan Duff 1, 10: Gordon Connelly, 11: Barry Wilson 1
Bench	0: Johnston Bellshaw, 0: Brian Grant 1