Stuart Leslie set up Elgin's biggest win of the season by firing a hat-trick as his side leapt to second in the table.

In a one-sided affair at Borough Briggs, Elgin had effectively secured the points by half-time as they raced to a three-goal lead.

Leslie started the rout when he pounced on Mark Nicolson's corner kick to beat David Crawford with a left-foot shot.

Crawford was beaten again 10 minutes from the break when Daniel Moore's corner found its way into the net.

Any lingering hope Montrose had of salvaging things were effectively ended just seconds before the break when Leslie converted Brian Cameron's pass.

Sean Crighton came close to a fourth goal shortly after half-time, but his shot was just wide of target.

David Gray brought some hope for Montrose when he pulled a goal back from the penalty spot after Crighton had handled.

But it did not divert the one-way traffic. Nicolson took a pass from Graeme Beveridge and left Crawford with no chance as he picked out the top corner of the net.

Leslie had a "goal" chalked off for offside, but he was not to be denied his hat-trick. Moore provided the assist for him to head home and complete his treble with 70 minutes left before leaving the field minutes later to the acclaim of the home fans.

It was left to substitute Adam MacLeod to mark his debut by scoring a sixth goal after 80 minutes to complete the rout.