Arbroath dominated the match against East Stirlingshire at Gayfield but failed to convert numerous shots on the visitors’ goal and lost a crucial chance to go top of the league.
The Lichties had much to prove after a recent run of poor results.
The return of Scott McBride and Kevin Nicoll boosted the defence blamed for the side’s recent slump.
Striker Paul McManus opened the show with the first of many missed attempts for Arbroath just four minutes in setting the tone for the home team’s dominance.
Simon Murray went closest to opening the scoring for the home side but his shot came back off the post.
East Stirlingshire weathered the storm and stunned the home fans in the 71st minute by scoring with their only shot of the game.
Ross Gilmour struck from close range after a corner and it proved enough to earn his side all three points.
Arbroath boss Allan Moore couldn’t hide his anger with his players.
“I’m not going to come out and talk about us dominating games and being unlucky,” he said.
“Unlucky is not going to win the games. There’s no point in standing making excuses for them. It’s the same old story.”
East Stirlingshire manager Craig Tully admitted it was an unexpected win.
“It was a robbery tonight,” he said. “That’s the biggest steal of the season.
“We’re not going to complain. We’ve beaten the top three teams. The league could go any way now.
“I couldn’t honestly pick out of the top three who’s going to win.”