A comfortable and professional performance saw Cove Rangers avenge their defeat at Ochilview earlier this season with a three-goal win.
They showed their intent from the start when Rory McAllister struck the post within the opening minute and continued to be the more expansive side, with Broque Watson denied by Stenny goalkeeper Graeme Smith soon after.
The Warriors created their best opening in the 19th minute when a Greig Spence effort was blocked after a tight interchange of passes.
Mitch Megginson opened the scoring for the visitors in the 33rd minute showing composure to pick his spot.
Cove extended their lead in the 42nd minute when a Watson cross eluded the home defence and Blair Yule played the ball back across for McAllister to prod home.
Any thoughts of a Stenny fightback after the resumption were quickly quashed when the referee awarded Cove a penalty for handball after the ball struck Jordan Armstrong, and Megginson stepped up to net from the spot for his 23rd goal of the season.
Although that was the end of the scoring, it wasn’t the end of the drama as Stenhousemuir’s Gary Harkins was dismissed from the dugout for dissent.
The victory coupled with Edinburgh City’s 1-1 draw at Cowdenbeath leaves Cove 10 points clear at the top with 10 games remaining.
Cove boss Paul Hartley said: “It was very professional. We very good, especially in the first half and after the second goal we managed the game properly.
“We had total control of the game. I thought everyone did well. We had such a young team when the kids came on. I was really pleased.”
Hartley also praised striker Megginson for his contribution, adding: “Mitch has continued from where he left off last season. He has been terrific.
“We are in a strong position but we have got to keep it going. Every little setback we have had, we have bounced back and shown our character.”
Megginson felt it was his side’s “best performance with the ball this season”.
He added: “We dominated possession.
“The back four were solid and kept the ball going forward. The most important thing was to get the three points but it was nice to get two goals and Rory to get one as well.
“We had to concentrate on beating a good Stenny team and had to be on it all the time. It is a striker’s dream to be playing in a team that is creating so many chances.”
The only negative for Cove was when Megginson’s strike-partner McAllister limped off after picking up a knock.