Ross County F.C. showed their top-flight class to overcome a spirited Elgin City side, winning 2-1 in the Scottish Bells Challenge Cup at a rain-swept Borough Briggs on 12th August 2026. The Highland derby-style encounter brought plenty of passion and local pride, but in the end, the clinical finishing of the Premiership visitors proved the difference against their League Two hosts.

Match Overview

Elgin City, the underdogs from League Two, started with real energy and gave Ross County an early scare when midfielder Kane Hester dragged a shot narrowly wide inside the first ten minutes. The home crowd believed an upset was on the cards, but Ross County gradually asserted themselves with superior movement and use of the ball. The breakthrough arrived in the 32nd minute when young forward Owen Evans was played through on goal and finished calmly past the Elgin keeper.

The hosts, however, refused to go quietly and equalised just after the hour mark with a well-deserved header from defender Clifton Weatherstone from a corner. That leveller set up a frantic final quarter-hour, and the tie appeared headed for extra time until Ross County's substitute Murray Smith produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 85th minute, cutting in from the right and unleashing a low shot into the far corner. In a tense finale, Elgin pushed forward in search of another equaliser, but County's defence held firm to secure the victory.

Key Moments

• 10' – Elgin chance: Hester flashes an early opportunity wide, a warning to County.
• 32' – County strike first: Owen Evans rounds the keeper and scores.
• 64' – Elgin equalise: Clifton Weatherstone powers a header in from a corner.
• 85' – Winning goal: Murray Smith cuts inside and rifles a low winner.

Player Performances

Murray Smith’s impact off the bench was decisive, as the young substitute provided the spark Ross County needed after Elgin’s equaliser. Owen Evans looked lively throughout and took his goal efficiently. For Elgin City, Clifton Weatherstone was a colossus in defence and scored to give his side hope, while keeper Stuart Morrison made several fine stops to keep the scoreline close. The lower-league side can take pride in their display, but the extra quality of a Premiership squad eventually shone through on the night.

What It Means

Ross County advance in the Scottish Bells Challenge Cup, and the result provides a welcome opportunity for squad players and young talents to log valuable experience. More importantly, for Elgin City, narrowly losing to a top-flight side at home will sting – but the performance underlines why this competition is so valuable for teams across the pyramid, providing a stage for cup memories and a chance to test themselves against established opposition. The final scoreline gives both sides plenty of talking points, but it's Ross County who move on.