Stenhousemuir 1 Forfar Athletic 2

Forfar pulled themselves off the bottom of the league with victory at Ochilview away to Stenhousemuir.

The Loons were given a boost with the returning pair of Kyle Hutton and Roberto Nditi to the starting lineup after serving their one-match suspension, Stefan McCluskey replaced Matty Aitken in the only other change from last week's starting XI.

The Loons started brightly with good link-up play giving Ben Armour a couple of chances in the opening minutes before Ray McKinnon’s changes payed off just 16 minutes in. Some great work from Craig Thomson on the right-hand side allowed McCluskey to tap into the empty net.

As has been a familiar thread throughout the season so far for the Loons, the task of building upon their 1-0 lead would get slightly harder as both captain Craig Slater and vice-captain Darren Whyte hobbled off before the break.

Both sides would have goals ruled out shortly after halftime. Andy Munro was the unlucky man in blue adjudged to have fouled his man before heading into the net.

Forfar did find a second just five minutes into the second 45. Ben Armour beat his man and fired into the net from the edge of the box. It was a well-taken second goal in as many games.

The Loons continued to dominate play, looking like the most likely team to score with both Craig Thomson and Ben Armour spurning chances in the second period as they looked to kill the game off.

It looked to be a comfortable victory for Ray McKinnon's men before Stenny pulled one back deep into injury time after the Athies failed to clear the danger.

It was too little, too late for the hosts though and Forfar ended what was becoming a slight Warriors hoodoo to lift themselves into 8th place in the cinch League 2 table.

The victory moves Forfar to just a point behind their opponents and away from the dreaded relegation play-off place.

Ray will now take his men to Stirling to take on the high-flying Albion with all connected to Station Park, hopefully, now able to look up the table with anticipation rather than trepidation.

Thanks to the travelling supporters who made their way to Ochilview on Saturday, as always the players and board appreciate the support.