Arbroath 0-1 East Stirlingshire

Arbroath blew their chance to seal a play-off spot as East Stirlingshire boosted their hopes of avoiding bottom place thanks to David Nicholls' goal.

The home side should have opened the scoring after 19 minutes when Kevin McMullen sent Paul Tosh clear on goal.

The veteran striker's effort beat the goalkeeper but rebounded off the post.

Jim McInally's side hit a winner on 35 minutes when Kevin McBride's free-kick deflected off McMullen to Nicholls, who finished with aplomb from 25 yards.

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Arbroath: Hill, McMullen, Black, Rattray, Bishop, Tully (Smith 54), Campbell (McBride 54), Tosh (Reilly 74), Brazil, Watson, Deasley. Subs Not Used: Raeside, Morrison.

Booked: Tully, McMullen.

East Stirling: O'Connor, Black, Kevin McBride, Oates, Bolochoweckyj, King, Craig Donaldson, Brand, Savage (Brownlie 74), Nicholls, Ure (McKenzie 84). Subs Not Used: Moffat, Thywissen, McIntyre.

Booked: Black, Ure, King.

Goals: Nicholls 35.

Att: 501

Ref: S McLean.