In a tight opening littered with fouls, both teams squandered good chances. Berwick's Mark Cowan was the first culprit, heading wide Andy Seaton's free-kick when it looked easier to score. Arbroath's Iain Diack then completely missed the ball after Gavin Swankie had picked the unmarked striker out with a fine in-swinging corner.
However, Greig Henslee spared Diack's blushes when he latched on to Swankie's centre to open the scoring and net his 10th goal of the season.
Defender Chris McLeod then continued his fine recent run of scoring, heading in from a Swankie corner to send the home side in twoe goals to the good at the interval.
Berwick started the second half far livelier than their lack-lustre opponents and Craig Coyle had to produce a good save to deny Grant McNicoll turning in Darren Smith's corner.
Arbroath finally mounted their first serious attack of the second half after 73 minutes, but Gary O'Connor did well to race from his line and block Diack's effort after Stuart MacDonald had played him in. The keeper then produced an even better save five minutes later, pushing MacDonald's 20-yard drive on to the post.
Late on the game opened up and Steven Cook cleared two Berwick corners off the line before Andy Seaton saw a 25-yard free-kick tipped over the bar by Coyle. However, despite the pressure, Arbroath held on for the win.