Lanarkshire neighbours Airdrie United and Albion Rovers face extended seasons after the remaining berths in the play-offs at both ends of the Second Division were filled at the weekend.
The Diamonds will be fighting it out for promotion to the First Division when they take on Ayr on Wednesday with the Coatbridge side making the long trek north to face Elgin as they look to keep their place in the Second.
The Diamonds, who started the day in fourth place, fought out a goalless draw with Champions Cowdenbeath at Central Park, although they came close to edging ahead with Kieron Stallard hitting the bar in the first half and Nathan Blockley doing likewise in the second.
News that promotion rivals Stenhousemuir and East Fife were both losing late into the second half calmed Airdrie and they were able to clear the field at full time in a happy mood and let the Blue Brazil take centre stage for their Title party.
Airdrie boss Jimmy Boyle said, “It was pretty torturous but we have made it. We have worked hard in turning our season around and having reached the play-offs we want to go on and do well in them.”
Title winning Cowdenbeath manager Colin Cameron said, “I am delighted to have won a Second Division winner’s medal and it is up there along with the other things I have done in my career.”
Airdrie’s result opened the door for Stenhousemuir to leap over them, if they defeated visitors Forfar, however they failed to take the opportunity and went down 2-1.
Ross McMillan put through his own goal to give the Loons an early lead, however team-mate Grant Anderson quickly levelled. Martyn Fotheringham won the game midway through the first half with a shot from 20 yards to end Forfar fears of slipping into the relegation play-off place.
Forfar’s win turned out not to be required as Albion lost 2-1 to already relegated visitors Stirling Albion. John Gemmell gave the Coatbridge side an early lead, however Stirling hit back in the second half through goals from Stephen Day and Gary Brass.
Arbroath and Dumbarton warmed up for their play-off contest against each other with wins over East Fife and Brechin respectively.
Collin Samuel, Liam Caddis and Lee Sibanda all scored as the Red Lichties won 3-1 with David Muir grabbing a late consolation for the Fifers who finished in sixth place.
Craig Dargo hit a hat-trick as the Sons triumphed 4-2 over Brechin with youngster Glenn Thomson adding the other Sons goal and Charlie King along with Craig Malloy netting for the Glebe Park men.
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