Stirling Albion 3 Forfar Athletic 2
Controversial linesman Andy Davis enjoyed a quiet return to action as Albion edged out second-bottom Forfar in a scrappy encounter.
Davis sparked mayhem in midweek when he awarded a dubious late penalty for Rangers at Tynecastle, but he strolled through this game in front of just 527 fans – Stirling's lowest crowd of the season.
But referee Chris Boyle upset Loons' gaffer Brian Fairley by sending off top scorer Paul Tosh for an apparent elbow on Kevin MacDonald just before the break – an incident only the official seemed to spot.
Forfar were much the better side early on and took a deserved lead after 17 minutes when Tosh headed his 18th goal of the season from Steven Bonar's corner.
The visitors should have had a penalty – Paul Nugent handling in the box - and also missed a couple of chances before Chris Aitken levelled with a stunning 20-yarder after 28 minutes.
Then, four minutes later, Stewart Devine's 40-yard free-kick deceived the defence and keeper Michael Brown to end up in the net before Tosh's 42nd minute dismissal made Forfar's task all the more difficult.
David O'Brien set up Paul di Giacomo to grab Stirling's third goal from close range just before the hour mark, meaning Paul Shields' strike from six yards after 84 minutes was a mere consolation.
Forfar continue their fight against relegation when they host Morton on Tuesday, while Stirling will need an improved performance if they are to record a win at local rivals Alloa on the same night.