Annan had to work hard for a gritty 1-0 win at East Stirling.The Shire belied their status as basement battlers and kept Jim Chapman's men at bay in the first half. Ryan McStay had to be alert to clear Ross Fisher's header off the line.At the other end, Thomas Orr got on to the end of a pinpoint cross, but headed just over the bar.Despite the hosts' bright start to the second half, Annan led when Ben Jago hit a long-range shot and Josh Todd flicked it past Richard Barnard.When Blair Currie tipped Christopher Townsley's header over late on, it was enough to clinch victory for Annan.