Ten-man Ayr United swept Stirling aside to all but seal their second Division survival.
United flew from the traps and Jerome Vareille put them in front with a cool finish after seven minutes.
But the game was turned on its head after 12 minutes when Ayr lost defender David Lowing to a straight red card. Referee William Collum judged that the challenge on Paddy Connolly was a last man foul, but the decision was debatable at best.
However, Ayr battled and went 2-0 up when Craig Conway put Dougie Ramsey through to score from 12 yards.
Stirling fought back but couldn't make their man advantage count with Connolly wasting a glorious chance before half-time.
Ayr coasted through the second half and secured their win in stoppage time when David O'Brien's pass back was missed by keeper Myles Hogarth and ended up in the back of the net.
The result is a major blow for Stirling's promotion hopes, but Ayr can now breathe easier at the bottom of the table.