ALBION Rovers' title pursuit was hindered slightly by a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Elgin City whose play-off ambitions remain realistic.

Darryl McHardy headed Elgin into a 5th minute lead from Archie MacPhee's cross. Jamie Duff doubled the visitors' advantage after good work from Shane Sutherland and Duff added another late on in bizarre fashion to cut Rovers' lead to six points at the summit.

Second-placed Queen's Park failed to take full advantage of the leaders' slip though as they could only muster a 1-1 draw at Berwick Rangers.

John Carter struck a 19th minute opener for the Glasgow side, converting Shaun Rooney's centre.

However, Berwick restored parity shortly before half-time when David Gray was fouled in the box and Paul Willis swept home the resulting spot-kick.

Off-colour Arbroath remain third and are almost certainly resigned to the play-offs after slipping to a 1-0 loss at East Stirling who stay fifth and firmly in play-off contention.

The in-form Kevin Nisbet struck the only goal of the game with a spectacular finish into the top corner in the 25th minute.

Arbroath nearly levelled late on but Craig Johnstone's free-kick drifted narrowly wide.

Only a miraculous season's finale will spare Montrose the looming prospect of a relegation play-off after their 3-0 reverse at East Fife left the Angus club eleven points adrift at the foot of the table.

Two-goal Nathan Austin netted either side of John Crawford's own goal to keep the Fifers three points clear in the sought-after fourth spot.

Clyde eased any lingering relegation fears with a dramatic 1-0 victory at Annan Athletic whose play-off ambitions were dealt a damaging blow.

David Marsh had missed an excellent first-half opening for the visitors before Jamie Pollock fired home a stunning winner with just three minutes remaining at Galabank.