An unusually slippy Gayfield surface on a mild evening was a factor here.  Despite a few Elgin chances first half - well handled by Hill - Arbroath domainted.  Two lovely worked goals both featuring Paul Sheerin were the standout.  the second half was mostly domination but a poor final pass and some weak, misguided or sloppy finishing meant fans were a little frustared at the end.  Good solid showing by the Lichties

From P &J  : Sheerin leads from the front as Arbroath sink Elgin side

player-manager rounds off victory as red lichties consolidate at top of third division

Arbroath consolidated their position at the top of the table with victory over an Elgin side that played much of the second half with 10 men following the dismissal of captain Paul Kaczan.

The game got off to a whirlwind start with Elgin's Craig Gunn volleying over the bar inside the first 60 seconds. But Arbroath responded instantly with a brilliantly worked goal. Kieran McAnespie and Gavin Swankie exchanged passes to set Paul Sheerin free on the left.

The Lichties player-manager sent an inch-perfect cross into the six-yard box for Swankie to head beyond Peter Donnelly for his 17th goal of the season.

Arbroath went 2-0 up in the 20th minute. McAnespie, Swankie and Sheerin were again involved in the build-up, with Sheerin applying the finishing touch.

Josh Falkingham then came within inches of putting the Gayfield men further ahead on the half-hour mark.

Elgin's hopes of salvaging anything from the game were dealt a blow six mins after the interval when skippe Kaczan was sent off for a second bookable offence. The visitors refused to give up however and it took a fingertip save from Hill in 71mins to prevent Alan Dempsie from pulling one back.

Substitute Steven Doris then had a brilliant chance to put Arbroath further ahead but blasted over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

Donnelly then saved at the feet of Ross Chisholm as the Lichties went in search of a third goal and the keeper again did well to block a Swankie shot. The sides meet again at Elgin on Saturday.