East Stirling 0-1 Arbroath

Feb 10 2008 John Hughes Reports

A BLISTERING breakaway strike from Alan Brazil sank Shire to keep Arbroath's promotion push on track.

Shire were first to threaten in eight minutes when Joe Savage nodded just wide from Kevin McBride's free-kick.

The Red Lichties gradually took control using their strength and power to stifle the home team.

Barry Sellars went close with two long-range efforts with keeper Tony Mitchell having to tip one over.

Brazil grabbed the winner for Arbroath in a superb counter-attack before the break, holding off two defenders before finishing clinically.

Arbroath should have been out of sight after 64 minutes but Sellars blasted over from a Brazil cutback when it looked easier to score.

Shire came close in 73 minutes with new signing Andy Rodgers clipping the outside of the post from 20 yards but the Arbroath rearguard stood firm as time ran out.