Super sub Paul McManus hit a double as Arbroath came from behind to preserve their lead at the top of League Two and put them in the party mood for their Christmas night out in Newcastle.
The Gayfield side found themselves in danger of falling to a shock defeat when Shire cancelled out Simon Murray’s opener with goals from David McKenna and Neil McCabe.
But McManus came to his team’s rescue with a late brace and said: “The gaffer told me recently that he would rest me and that’s why I was on the bench but I am happy to come on and score twice.
“I am 32 and have experience of situations like this and I knew if we could get one back we could go on and win.
“The bus is taking us to Newcastle for our Christmas night out and had we not won it would have ruined it.”
Murray pounced on a mix up between Shire keeper Richie Barnard and defender Graeme MacGregor to put the visitors ahead on 20 minutes.
However, McKenna played a one-two with David Greenhill before shooting home for 1-1 on 55 minutes.
Just a minute later McCabe fired into the empty net from 23 yards after Lichties keeper Marc McCallum mishit a clearance.
However, McManus buried a strong header home from the centre of the box after Murray’s perfect corner on 73 minutes.
And he hit the winner eight minutes from time when he met Craig Johnstone’s cross to fire home.