Dick Campbell watched Elgin clinch their play-off place – and signalled his intention to get Arbroath challenging for promotion in the same way next term.
The Lichties suffered their fourth straight defeat at the hands of an Elgin side who have impressed under former Arbroath gaffer Jim Weir.
Campbell said Saturday’s 4-1 loss was the weakest display from his team since taking on the job at Gayfield.
But he also felt two key decisions went in the home team’s favour.
“We should have had a penalty, and Elgin’s second goal was four yards offside,” he said. “But we couldn’t deny the right of Elgin to win the game, and they have every reason to celebrate.
“There will be a lot of changes here and I am already speaking to players for next season.”
The visitors conceded an opener in just five minutes.
A Mark Nicolson through pass released City striker Marc McKenzie, whose lob was saved by Allan Fleming.The danger wasn’t properly cleared and Brian Cameron picked up the ball on the right side of the box before crossing for Kyle MacLeod, on loan from Ross County, to nod Elgin in front.
City increased their lead on 32 minutes after a cumbersome tackle by Arbroath centre-back Andy Munro on Cameron in the box. Cameron got up to convert the penalty kick.
Arbroath full-back Mark Williams went off injured at the break with Jordan Lowdon coming on from a visiting bench which had only three subs, including keeper Calum Brodie.
A third Elgin goal on 64 minutes wrapped up victory, with a Matthew Cooper cross headed home by Cameron.
Arbroath had what looked like a clear penalty rejected when sub Kane Hester was chopped down in the box with 15 minutes to go.
They did reduce the deficit on 85 minutes through a crisp Josh Skelly finish into the roof of the net.
Elgin’s Craig Gunn curled in a fine finish in stoppage time to seal a win which confirmed their play-off with Clyde over two legs in the semis.