It was in keeping with the nature of Rangers' season that a subdued display did not prevent the team winning the Irn-Bru Third Division title.
Rangers won the Third Division title while on the bus back to Glasgow from Montrose.
Late in the game, while the scoreline was still tentatively within Rangers' control, the home fans patiently unfurled a giant banner in the Broomloan Stand.
Rangers supporters will feel as though their politeness is an indictment of their own team's failings.
This was progress for Rangers, even if their manager felt inclined to dwell on the troubling moments.
There was cause for Rangers to value this display, but even that could not subdue the sense of relief.
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.
THAT birthday cake will taste a little sweeter.
Stuart Garden seems to be drawn to distress signals coming from Ibrox.