Arbroath fired themselves into second place in Division Two with a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Stranraer.

They got off to the perfect start after two minutes when John McGlashan picked out Jim Mercer in the box and he fired home a low shot from six yards.

Five minutes from half-time, Arbroath doubled their lead.

Colin McKinnon collected the ball and raced towards goal before unleashing a 20-yard shot which stung the hands of goalkeeper Mark McGewon as it flew into the net.

Stranraer were reduced to 10 men after 55 minutes when Derek Rae was sent off for his second bookable offence.

They gave themselves a glimmer of hope 15 minutes later when Keith Knox rose to head home a corner from Tommy Bryce.

But Arbroath held on for a victory which extends their unbeaten run to 10 games.