Centre-back Craig Watson was in the thick of the action as Arbroath edged closer to the promotion play-off spots with a well-deserved victory over Annan Athletic ay Gayfield.
The on-loan Hamilton player grabbed the vital opening goal 40 seconds after the interval but then gave away a late penalty which resulted in Annan’s equaliser and led to a nervy final few minutes for the home side.
Watson said: “That’s my second goal for the club and they’ve both been headers. It was a good delivery into the box, so I just tried to put it across the keeper and thankfully it went in.
“The penalty was unfortunate. There was a scramble in the box and the ball bobbled up and hit my arm.
“I suppose it was a penalty, technically, but it was a bit harsh. I couldn’t do anything about it.”
The Lichties have now won four of their last five games to close the gap on the teams ahead of them in what is becoming an increasingly tight league, with just seven points separating second top from third bottom.
Watson said: “We don’t want to look too far ahead and are just taking things one game at a time. There’s a good spirit and attitude within the squad and we just try to go out and win every game. I’m enjoying being here and I’m just trying to do my best.”
Another loan signing, Josh Skelly, set up Watson’s goal with a beautifully flighted free-kick immediately after the restart and the Dundee youngster had earlier come close to making a dream Arbroath debut with a powerful header which Annan keeper Jordan Hart tipped over the bar.
Hart was partly at fault when the Lichties extended their lead in the 58th minute when he attempted to clear awonderful through pass from Darren Ramsay but only succeeded in blasting the ball against his own defender,Martin McNiff, then watched in horror as the ball rebounded into the net.
Arbroath sub Kane Hester missed a hat-trick of chances to put the game out of reach before Watson’s handball gave Peter Weatherson the opportunity to reduce the leeway from the penalty spot with three minutes remaining.
That set up an edgy end to the match but the home side held on to secure the points.
Lichties boss Todd Lumsden was delighted. He said: “The penalty near the end put us on the back foot after dominating the game, but the boys showed good professionalism to see it out.
“We are now getting the results our performances merit and that wasn’t the case earlier in the season. Now we just have to maintain our belief.”