After two poorish defeats, it was important to get back on the rails against struggling Shire on a cold night at Gayfield but where the wind was not a factor.
The officials, especially referee Hornsby - the characters who postponed the first tie in December - had it in for Arbroath with 3 nonsensical cautions second half and many bizarre offside and throw-in decisions
Shire looked a reasonable and well-organised side throughout but a bit punchless up front despite creating openings. Arbroath are clearly lacking cohesion and confidence so it was not a pretty performance. Not enough commitment, very poor passing and movement was apparent so we had to rely on too many long balls - having Scott's pace up front gives great attacking options for through-balls from the back.
We started out with Campbell in at right-back, a defensive pairing of Tully and Rattray, and Brazil and Soctt up-front. We had chances first half, Flyer going close early on, Scott having a headed goal chalked off for offside, Rattray coming close twice from close-range. But Shire had about as the game as we did and threatened occasionally
Second half, we just did not start (what hairdryer?) and were pinned back for 10 minutes, nearly went one or two down after poor defedning. Then on 57 minutes, a through ball saw Scott lob the keeper and run on before being axed down by Shire defender Oates for a sending off. Brazil despatched the penalty with ease and the pressure lifted.
Then came the ridiculous bookings for no reason. It looked like Shire had the extra man for the next while until Scott's great second, controlling the ball at the egde of the box and with three player around his, he turnded and smashed a great goal into the top corner. Deasley and Tosh came on for a short run and we have scored at least two more. Promising touches from Deasly though he missed an open goal.
Overall we're grateful for any win, but home wins have been so rare we have to savour them. A surprisingly good 421 turned out on a cold night and the small Shire contingent were magnificent - they put Arbroath, and most others, to shame with their vocal encouragement.
We'll need to do much better against Montrose on Saturday
Arbroath boss John McGlashan was less concerned about the manner of the win than getting the vital three points in the bag. "Although the performance was not brilliant, a win's a win and that's the most important thing tonight. When things have not been going well, it takes big hearts to overcome tension and anxiety. East Stirling made it difficult for us and I was delighted to get the first goal, which relaxed the players.