BOTH MANAGERS were happy with a point as ARBROATH and FORFAR played out a one-all draw at Gayfield.

Forfar dominated the first half but took until 31 minutes to go ahead, thanks to a perfectly placed strike from 25 yards by Steven McNally.

The Loons should have increased their advantage before half time, but Arbroath keeper Darren Hill made vital saves from a looping shot from Chris Anton and a free header by John Ovenstone.

Arbroath came back into the game in the second half and Forfar stopper Sandy Wood saved his side from chances for Paul Tosh and Robbie Raeside.

However, the home side’s pressure eventually paid off when, on 72 minutes, Paul Watson passed to Nicky Smith lurking in the box and he coolly placed the ball into the bottom left corner.

Forfar boss Jim Moffat said, “We had the better of the first half and deserved to go ahead. Darren Hill made a couple of cracking saves for Arbroath before half time.

“We came out a bit flat in the second half and Arbroath got back into the game.

“However I have to be happy with a point away to a side that looks likely to be in the play-offs.

“It’s our third game in a row where we have not been beaten and we have only conceded one goal.”

Arbroath now sit in fourth place in the league with a five-point advantage, plus a superior goal difference, over fifth-placed Elgin.

Red Lichties manager John McGlashan said, “There is no doubt that Forfar were the better team in the first half but we came into the game in the second half.

“It was a pity we didn’t get the goal earlier. After we equalised they had a few chances and it was nip and tuck.

“We have to look upon this as another point won. We will reflect on the game for a short time on Monday but then focus all of our attention to the game against Elgin.”