Forfar capped a fine week by recording back-to-back victories over Stranraer, hot on the heels of a hard-earned derby day point against Brechin seven days previously.
The Loons’ fine run of form has hauled them right back into contention for a play -off place, something not lost on boss Dick Campbell although he insists no one at Station Park is getting carried away.
“First and foremost our goal this year was to remain a very competent Division One side and we have done that very clearly,” Campbell reflected. “Having two full-time teams in the division meant it was always going to be very difficult to get out of it.
“We are not shouting our heads off about that or where we are now. We are very happy with where we are “It has been a good 10 days for Forfar. We have taken 10 points out of 12. But today was as difficult a game as we have faced all season in light of what happened against Stranraer this week.
“We knew they would be fired up for today and this game was over a knife edge for a long time.
“One goal means the game is never finished,” he said.
“But I am delighted to have no goals against us and taken the three points. I am very happy to have beaten Stranraer twice this week because they have sent out a clear message about just how good they are.”
Stranraer started very strongly and pushed forward hoping for a quick goal. Jamie Longworth almost provided it when he was given time to turn and shoot in the box but Stewart Malcolm blocked.
However, it was Forfar who took a 14th-minute lead when Dale Hilson picked the ball up on the left and waltzed past two defenders into the box before drilling a low right-foot shot into the bottom corner.
Stranraer responded through Sean Winter, who saw his shot well blocked by Rab Douglas in the Forfar goal, then Longworth should have done better than to find the side-netting from 10 yards.
The wind disrupted play for both sides but Hilson went close to grabbing a second for Forfar with a dipping 25-yard shot that was not that far over the bar.
Martin Grehan then fired in a similar shot at the other end but with the same end result.
Iain Campbell almost added a second with an audacious free-kick in stoppage time, which was just tipped over by keeper David Mitchell. Young Craig Smith then rattled the crossbar from the corner.