Arbroath player-manager Paul Sheerin was frustrated not to take anything from Saturday’s crucial relegation clash with Airdrieonians, which ended with both sides on 10 men.
The Lichties dominated for long spells but failed to breach a resolute Diamonds rearguard which did well to protect the 33rd-minute lead snatched through Jim Lister.
The striker rose above the home defence to nod home a Caolan McAleer corner from close range.
Visiting keeper Grant Adam, who was watched by his brother Charlie the Scotland and Stoke City midfielder, produced a string of important saves during a frantic second half.
His defenders got in the way of everything the home side threw at them.
The result leaves Arbroath at the foot of the table, one point behind East Fife and four off the Lanarkshire men.
Sheerin is all too aware of the massive challenge his side now faces to avoid the prospect of dropping into League Two.
He said: “It was very frustrating. We had the bulk of the play throughout the game and probably didn’t get our reward.
“They defended doggedly and you have to give them credit for that. They made it difficult for us and, from their point of view, it’s a good result and gives them a bit of breathing space.
“It’s not going to be easy from now on. We have seven games to go and it’s going to be a dogfight.
“We have a couple of hard games next, starting away to Ayr, who have been freescoring lately, then Rangers here. So, we have a tough run and we have to pick ourselves up because we need points.”
With the strong wind at their backs in the second half the Lichties tried to retrieve the game and their cause seemed to be helped just after the hour-mark when McAleer was dismissed for a crude tackle on Sheerin.
Despite their numerical advantage, there remained an anxiety about their game and chances were created but spurned.
A dangerous inswinging Sheerin corner was headed off the line, Paul McManus cracked a shot against the bar and Bobby Linn fired in a 30-yarder, which Adam did well to beat away.
Then, with four minutes remaining Adam fluffed a kick-out which landed at the feet of McManus, but the Arbroath striker failed to take advantage and sent his effort high and wide.
Arbroath’s frustration was compounded in the final minute when Ricky Little was correctly shown a red card for a late tackle.
There was still time for a final onslaught on the Airdrie goal but, after an a right scramble, substitute Grant Evans just managed to block the ball on the line to prevent a late equaliser.