Arbroath gave themselves a real fighting chance of avoiding automatic relegation with a deserved and comfortable Angus derby win over Forfar Athletic.
The loss for the Loons all but ended their own slim hopes of making the promotion play-offs as they turned in one of their most lacklustre performances of the season.
For Arbroath manager Paul Sheerin, it was a case of making sure his side were well prepared to take advantage of Forfar’s tricky build-up to the game.
“We knew Forfar had a hard week with games against Dunfermline and Rangers. It is not easy against the full-time clubs.
“We were hoping to get among them right from the start and we did that.”
Sheerin was delighted with the way his team have given themselves a real chance of beating the drop.
“It is regrettable we have found ourselves in this position but I am pleased with the way we have responded to that.
“We have been scoring goals and that gives us a chance. I thought Paul McManus did really well to hold the ball up for me for my goal and big Kenny Deuchar did really well to get his goal. I thought he and McManus were excellent and it rubbed off on the whole team.”
Arbroath were fighting for their survival and showed it from the off, harrassing Forfar and capitalising on their mistakes.
Alan Cook was twice denied, first by keeper Darren Hill’s great save then by defender Iain Campbell blocking his shot right on the goal line.
Arbroath went ahead after 24 minutes when ex-Loon Paul McManus held the ball up brilliantly for manager Paul Sheerin to thump into the top right corner from 18 yards.
Two minutes later, Arbroath were two ahead after some calamitous defending from Forfar. Cook crossed from the left and no one dealt with it for the home side, allowing Kenny Deuchar to lift the ball over Hill.
Forfar made two changes at the break to try to force the pace and Darren Dods had a free header but knocked it wide of the post.
Arbroath were still on top and Hill had to save well from Ross Chisholm after he burst into the box, then McManus found the side netting.
Forfar boss Dick Campbell was a frustrated and disappointed man, bemoaning the poor standards his side displayed.
“Arbroath deserved all they got from the game. If anyone deserves any plaudits, it is them,” he said.
“We were very poor in terms of passing and we did not defend. They deserved more out of the game than us.
“To say I am disappointed is putting it mildly but we knew it would be like that against Arbroath. From the front, middle and back, if we were giving scores out of 10, you would struggle to give anyone a five.
“We gave the ball away so easily before the goals. It is a disappointing end to the season, although you could look at it as we said right at the start, we wanted to avoid relegation and that means we are safe from that today.
“We could still win our last two games but we will have to wait and see.”