Forfar extended their lead at the top of League Two to eight points after a first-half penalty from David Cox was enough to see off Edinburgh City at Meadowbank Stadium.
Loons manager Gary Bollan said: “The result’s satisfying but performance-wise we are much better than we showed today.
“Fortunately for us, though, we came away with the three points which at this stage of the season is important for us especially with results elsewhere.
“Edinburgh put us under pressure today, which we withstood, and getting a clean sheet is another pleasing aspect.”
It could have been completely different if Grant Adam had not kept out Ousman See’s penalty inside 11 minutes.
The Forfar keeper seemed certain to collect Aaron Dunsmore’s tame cross into the area, but fumbled and brought down John Dunn trying to atone for his mistake.
With regular City penalty taker Douglas Gair on the bench, Citizens’ top scorer See stepped up, but the ex-Scotland under-21 cap made amends with a fine save.
Cox spurned a glorious chance moments later, racing down on to Joe Mbu’s sliced clearance and his lob over Andrew Stobie in the City goal looked destined for the net before bouncing just wide.
The former Kilmarnock striker did not have to wait long for his next opportunity. Jamie Bain was brought down by defender Shaun Harrison in the area and referee Craig Napier pointed to the spot again in 37 minutes.
Despite the chorus of boos around Meadowbank Stadium, Cox dispatched the penalty with ease, sending Stobie the wrong way and Forfar into the lead.
Edinburgh pushed for an equaliser in a second half of few opportunities, but stellar Forfar defending was enough to seal the victory.