Airdrie United will come up against Ayr United after a goalless draw with second division champions Cowdenbeath secured a place in the play-off places, with Stenhousemuir losing at home to Forfar Athletic.
It means Airdrie and Ayr will meet at the semi-final stage two years after the latter prevailed in the play-off final.
Such an achievement is quite a turnaround for Airdrie, who only a couple of months ago looked just as likely to become embroiled in the relegation scrap. "The players have gone on a fantastic run and deserve to be in the play-offs," said Jimmy Boyle, the Airdrie manager.
"They took a lot of stick earlier in the season but now they have something to aim for. We'll give it a right go."
Meanwhile, there were mixed emotions at Ochilview where Stenhousemuir's 2-1 defeat by Forfar dashed their hosts play-off hopes and secured their second division status. Grant Anderson had equalised for Stenhousemuir after Ross McMillan's early opener. However, Martyn Fotheringham's 22nd-minute strike proved decisive. However, Forfar's success means Albion Rovers, who came up via the play-offs a year ago must attempt to stay up by the same means after they went down 2-1 to relegated Stirling Albion. John Gemmell had given them an early lead, but goals from Stephen Day and Gary Brass mean Rovers will face Elgin City in the next phase of their survival bid.
There was little left for clubs to play for in the first division but Ross County's 5-3 win at Queen of the South stretched their unbeaten run to 34 games, thus breaking a 60-year-old record held by Airdrieonians.
Derek Adams, the County manager, was understandably proud of the accomplishment. "This has been a record-breaking season with a record number of points won of 79," he said. "We finished an incredible 24 points ahead of Dundee in second place which is a great effort. Everything we've achieved during the season in terms of consistency and togetherness will prepare us well for the SPL." Adams and his side have shown an impressive intensity throughout the campaign but the manager finally eased up on Saturday. "For now I want the fans and the players to enjoy this great success and to enjoy their holidays before coming back for the SPL campaign," said the County manager.
SFL Promotion Play-offs
May 9. First Division Play-Off Semi-Finals 1st Legs
Airdrie United v Ayr United
Dumbarton v Arbroath
May 12. 2nd Legs
May 9. Second Division Play-Off Semi-Finals 1st Legs
Elgin City v Albion Rovers
Stranraer v Queen's Park
May 12. 2nd Legs
May 16. First Division Play-off Final 1st Leg
Second Division Play-Off Final 1st Leg
May 20. 2nd Legs
If Queen's Park overcome Stranraer, the 1st leg of the second division play-off final will be brought forward to May 15 to assist with pitch preparations at Hampden for the Scottish Cup final on May 19.
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