There were few chances in a poor first half although East Stirling went close on 16 minutes when Andy Smith crossed for Paul Tweedie to shoot wide on the near post.
Montrose went close on 20 minutes when a Jered Stirling free kick flashed across the face of goal with nobody able to get a touch.
As half time approached a Paul Napier cross was taken off the head of Hugh Davidson when, from another East Stirling free kick, Andy Rodgers shot wide on the near post.
East Stirling were out of luck on 52 minutes when Marc McKenzie hit the inside of the post with a free kick and Craig Higgins cleared off the line.
On 69 minutes Rodgers beat a defender and shot narrowly wide, then on 72 minutes, an effort from Scott Michie was just held by keeper Robert Tiropolous.
Montrose broke the deadlock on 80 minutes when Tiropolous hit one of his own defenders with a clearance kick and Rodgers shot into the empty net. Just a minute later East Stirling had Andy Smith sent off for a second booking after he felled Rodgers.
On 86 minutes Rodgers linked with Michie and fired a shot into the side netting. Four minutes into stoppage time East Stirling had another man sent off when Marc McKenzie was red carded for remarks to the referee.