Arbroath continued their fine run of form under new manager Harry Cairney with a hard-fought win over high-flying Stirling Albion.
Arbroath had the ball in the net as early as the eighth minute when Euan Donaldson fired home after Gavin Swankie's initial effort had deflected into his path. Unfortunately for the home side the full-back was in an offside position when he received the ball and the goal was chalked off.
However, half an hour later, Arbroath finally scored their first goal at Gayfield this season. Jamie Bishop played in Swankie on the right wing and in a desperate attempt to stop his cross reaching Alan Brazil, Stewart Devine hauled down the striker. John Cusick stepped up to score the resultant spot-kick, sending Myles Hogarth the wrong way with his effort.
Shortly afterwards the Red Lichties nearly doubled their lead, but despite their best efforts, Arbroath only led by a goal at the interval.
Stirling started the second half with all guns blazing and levelled the game when Scott McLean's effort from 12 yards beat Neil Inglis.
However, Stirling's resurgence was short-lived and Arbroath re-took the lead when Swankie's low shot-cum-cross was finished by Brazil at the back-post.
With 10 minutes remaining, Stirling's Mark McNally was sent off for a cynical challenge on Kevin McMullen and with that Stirling's hopes of stealing a draw disappeared. McNally also received a second red card for foul and abusive language.