Two goals from Michael Dunlop put Stenhousemuir in the driving seat against Peterhead in the League One play-off final.
Rory McAllister missed a penalty for Peterhead just before half-time.
And Dunlop, who had netted just once all season, got on the end of an Eddie Ferns delivery to nod past Greg Fleming.
He then did the same again from Alan Cook's cross to double the advantage 15 minutes later.
Peterhead had come into the Ochilview match off the back of an eight-match winning run, but now have it all to do in Saturday's second leg at Balmoor Stadium.
