Forfar Athletic leapfrogged Morton and stormed to the top of League One with a thoroughly professional win at Ochilview.
Forfar manager Dick Campbell said: “Our second goal was maybe a bit fortunate, but it is fantastic to go back to the top of the league because to come to a difficult place like Stenhousemuir and keep a clean sheet takes a bit of doing.
“Big Rab (Douglas) was not called upon too often, but we also have young players here like Dale Hilson and others who balance the experience in the side and it’s not a bad team.”
After Michael Dunlop’s opener Stenny got their act together, but chances were limited.
“The beauty is that we had most of the squad fit today and the last, Derek Young, has started heavy training this week and will be available in January,” said Campbell.
The Loons started at a high tempo and it was hardly a surprise when they scored in the 11th minute.
Stenny’s defence was posted missing when Scott Smith played in a corner from the right and Michael Dunlop rose unchallenged to power a header home.
Greg Fleming brilliantly blocked a Danny Denholm drive, and Stephen Husband’s crack at the rebound came back off a cluster of legs.
The Warriors gradually stemmed the tide, and but for a couple of excellent saves from Rab Douglas off Jamie Reid and Kris Faulds they may have been back level before the break.
The home side started the second period aggressively. However, they lacked a cutting edge.
When Husband’s low free kick from wide on the left went through a clutch of defenders and in at the back post in the 70th minute, it was all over.