George Shields hailed his Montrose side after watching them go top of League 2 with a convincing home win over East Stirlingshire in his first league game in charge.
Defender Alan Campbell stabbed home in 36 minutes from close in to give the Gable Endies who lost their opening two cup fixtures against Peterhead and Falkirk the lead.
Terry Masson blasted home the second in the second half, then Garry Wood sank an 18-yarder.
Ross McCord saw red for Montrose for two quick bookings before Shire grabbed a consolation goal with Max Wright’s solo effort.
Wood grabbed his second and number four from a penalty after Stephen Day was tripped.
“I was really delighted with the team’s performance,” said Shields.
“The only downside of our win was the sending-off of Ross McCord, which I thought was a bit harsh.”
“ That’s now three players we’ve had sent off in our last three games and, although that’s disappointing, it highlights the inconsistencies of the referees we’ve had.
“I’m also disappointed that we’re not going to get a chance to build upon our victory as next Saturday’s league game against Clyde has been cancelled by the SPFL as Clyde have aPetrofac cup tie against Rangers on the following Monday, which means we now have to wait a fortnight before our next match.”