Forfar saw off a determined challenge from Brechin to run out deserved winners in Saturday’s derby at Station Park to move top of League 1.
After an entertaining game that saw both teams enjoy spells on top, no one could deny that the Loons were worthy victors although the two managers disagreed over what the margin between the sides should have been.
“For the first 25 minutes or so we were excellent. We had six clear chances to score in the first half,” Forfar boss Dick Campbell said.
“I expected Brechin to come back at us, and they did. They got a goal just before half time which shows exactly what their aspirations from the game were,” he added.
“We had to dig in during the second half, but we did that and we could have still scored more.”
One change was enforced on Forfar at half time as Mark Baxter had to rush away from Station Park after his wife went into labour.
Forfar started in fighting form and passed up a couple of early chances.
They made the breakthrough in the 11th minute, however. Omar Kader took advantage of hesitancy in the Brechin defence and fired over a low centre for Danny Denholm to hammer high into the roof of the net.
Forfar added a second in the 34th minute. Kader hit the byeline with a lovely run into the box and his low centre was steered into the net from two yards out by Dale Hilson.
Right on half time, Brechin reduced the deficit with a lovely goal. Alan Trouten slipped a pass to Comin Hamilton, who curled a shot home from just inside the box.
Brechin were stronger after the break and pushed forward looking for the equaliser.
But Forfar weathered the storm and extended their lead in the 79th minute from the penalty spot after Paul McLean felled Hilson just inside the box.
Hilson buried the spot kick into the bottom left corner.
Brechin boss Ray McKinnon admitted frustration best summed up his feelings.
“The first 25 minutes we weren’t at the races and we gifted them the first goal.
“The second goal, I think we gave that away too. We lost the ball in midfield and a cutback and we are two down.
“People were standing on the ball, getting caught on the ball and that is very unlike us.
“I think we got ourselves back into the game and made it 2-1 and we dominated the second half. But I can’t understand why we gave that third goal away, our slackness to concede a penalty.
“We are conceding really sloppy goals at one end and not finishing things off at the other.”