Forfar consolidated their lead at the top of League One thanks to a narrow win over Stirling Albion.
There never looked the length of the league between the sides and Forfar boss Dick Campbell readily acknowledged that Albion had pushed his side hard.
“We need to give Stirling Albion a lot of credit. I don’t think we played really well but I will take the three points with both hands, particularly in light of the other results around us.”
With Dunfermline and Morton both slipping up, Forfar extended the gap over those rivals for the automatic promotion spot to five and four points respectively but Stranraer’s thumping win over Peterhead keeps them tucked in two points behind the Loons.
“There are a couple of games left in the second quarter but there is no place for us to hide,” said Campbell.
”We are top of the league and teams will be gunning for us. We had a taste of that today so we have got to ensure we are prepared.
“It is all set up for a real game next week against Airdrie. But we have proved we are where we deserve to be.
“Another win at home is great. I think we have won seven and drawn one and that is the background of any success, creating a fortress at home.
“What won it for us today was the substitutions and I would like to think it was an inspired decision by the manager to send Martyn Fotheringham on for him to score the winner!
“But we have a strong squad, we had three or four players today not featuring. I am really delighted with that result today.”
Forfar took their time to settle and Albion had the better chances early on. Loons keeper Rab Douglas had to save shots from Sandy Cunningham and Gordon Smith before Angus Beith blasted high over the bar from 18 yards.
But Forfar made the breakthrough in the 26th minute when Darren Dods turned on a loose ball in the Albion box and thumped home a fierce strike from 10 yards.
Gavin Swankie saw an effort just touched wide for a corner but right on half-time Stirling Albion equalised through Steven Doris who steered the ball into the corner of the net from close range after good work by Cunningham.
Only a brilliant double stop by Douglas from Gordon Smith at the start of the second half stopped Albion going ahead but with just 10 minutes left Forfar cemented their top spot with the winning goal.
A Mark Baxter cross from the left was met by substitute Martyn Fotheringham and he powered a header into the roof of the net.