Bryan Prunty’s first goal for more than a year kick-started Arbroath’s fightback in a thrilling battle with fellow promotion seekers Elgin City at Gayfield on Saturday.
The Lichties were 2-0 down when Prunty headed home from close range after a Bobby Linn shot had been blocked.
Sixty seconds later the veteran striker was involved again as he created the chance for Steven Doris to bundle the ball over the line to level the scores.
Both sides were subsequently reduced to 10 men before the final piece of drama was acted out in the last minute when Colin Hamilton was felled in the box by former Arbroath man Kieran Stewart and Doris stepped forward to send Elgin keeper Cammy Mackay the wrong way to give the home side all three points.
Prunty, whose last goal came for Airdrieonians in a 3-1 win over Stranraer last December was delighted to get off the mark with such a crucial strike. He said: “We have a strong squad and competition for places is good.”
Elgin went in at half-time with a one goal lead courtesy of Brian Cameron’s 18th-minute shot which gave Ricky Gomes no chance.
The Lichties started the second period on the front foot but were caught on the break when Chris McLeish ran half the length of the field to score in the 50th minute.
Arbroath were reduced to 10 men in the 69th minute when Jason Sukar was given his second yellow card and Elgin suffered the same fate four minutes later with Thomas Reilly also taking an early bath.
Lichties boss Dick Campbell said: “I was delighted Bryan Prunty scored today. He’s as good a professional as I’ve ever met. He scored a goal and made one so I am happy for him.
“I was very impressed with Elgin. It’s no surprise they are in the top three and there’s no doubt both of us will be involved come the end of the season.”