Brian Reid hailed 10-man Albion Rovers after a late winner at Stirling Albion eased any lingering League Two relegation fears.
Sean Fagan struck in the 89th minute at Forthbank to earn a precious three points for the visitors, which moves them up a place to eighth in the table and, crucially, 11 points clear of bottom side Cowdenbeath with six games to play.
It now looks likely The Blue Brazil will face the dreaded play-off against either the Lowland League or Highland League champions next month in a battle for their SPFL survival.
Both Rovers and Stirling finished the game with 10 men after Dylan Mackin saw red for the hosts at the end of the first half for a late tackle on Calum Wilson, while Kyle Docherty was given his marching orders for a high tackle in 82 minutes.
Rovers rallied to find a way to win with Fagan firing a low strike past Blair Currie.
And now Reid has challenged his side to improve on last season's seventh-place finish after they made it three games unbeaten in the division.
Reid said: "In terms of performances of late we've deserved more points than we've picked up, so we were delighted to get the win last night at a tough venue.
"It was a massive win for us.
"We didn't play as well as we have done in previous games against Kelty and Forfar, we looked a wee bit jaded and never passed the ball well, but that happens sometimes in football.
"The supporters were fantastic and helped us get three points.
"It was a big three points and an important three points to get us back to winning ways.
"We've got six games left to finish the season strongly.
"We finished seventh last season so our aim now is to finish seventh or above. That's our target."
Reid also heaped praise on the finish from Fagan and said the club's frontmen could learn a thing or two from the midfielder.
He added: "Fagey scored the goal like a seasoned striker. It was a great finish from him.
"He was composed in the box and buried the ball in the corner, so there's maybe a wee bit there for the forwards to learn off of Fagey with that one."
Rovers now travel to second-place Annan Athletic on Saturday, looking to avenge a 4-1 defeat at Cliftonhill at the start of the month.
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