Peterhead manager Neale Cooper hailed the immediate impact of Daniel Moore after the emergency loan signing helped steer the Blue Toon away from relegation trouble.
The left-sided Ross County midfielder, starting his second stint at Balmoor, created two goals as Peterhead pulled seven points clear of second bottom Arbroath with a much-needed win.
Prior to Saturday, a run of three consecutive defeats had resulted in Peterhead sliding down the Second Division table, but Peter Bruce settled the home fans nerves with an early goal before a late quickfire Martin Bavidge double made sure of the points.
Cooper said: “It was a big pressure game and had we lost, it would have been a nightmare. But that was just the reaction we needed after the last few weeks.
“There were a lot of good performances from the likes of Neil McVitie and Paul Emslie but I thought the big difference between the teams was Daniel Moore.
“He got his crosses in, he made two of our goals and his all-round game was excellent. It was a great contribution considering he has not played for a while at Ross County.
"I am delighted he is here to help us out. We are in a hole after a recent poor spell but we are trying to get out of it."
Arbroath forward Steven Hislop wasted a great early chance before Bruce sent Peterhead on their way to victory in the 13th minute. The youngster headed past Darren Hill from eight yards after Moore delivered a floated cross from the left.
The woodwork denied Emslie doubling the home side's advantage before the same player ballooned a shot over the bar after Arbroath made a mess of clearing Barry Wilson's corner.
Jim Weir's side improved after the interval and Paul Jarvie had to look lively on a couple of occasions to keep them at bay.
But any hopes of an Arbroath comeback were dashed in the 79th minute when Bavidge nodded in Peterhead's second after a fine run and cross from Moore.
Bavidge then added a third moments later with an impressive solo effort to put the gloss on the victory.
Arbroath manager Jim Weir offered no excuses for his side's display.
He said: “It was really disappointing, particularly the manner in which we conceded the goals.
“Too many players never performed. But I will take the blame because it is me who picks the team.
“We have eight games left and we must keep fighting to stay in this league, the towel is certainly not being thrown in. Winners never quit and quitters never win."