Threave Rovers kept the pressure on St Cuthbert Wanderers with victory at Nithsdale Wanderers on Saturday.
The Castle Douglas outfit need to win all of their remaining league games if they are to have any hope of overhauling Saints at the top of the South of Scotland League.
And they did their bit with a 3-1 victory at Sanquhar.
Tam Coles opened the scoring midway through the first half only for Nithsdale to equalise soon after through Sean Mckenzie.
Scott Milligan restored the lead with a tremendous free-kick and another set-piece sealed the win, Phil Middlemiss’ free-kick finding Coles who scored.
Boss Vinnie Parker said: “All we can do is keep winning games and worry about ourselves.
“Anything can happen. We knew if we dropped points it would ruin the boys’ Easter weekends so that was in the backs of their minds as well.
“It was a tight, bobbly, dry pitch and they look to intimidate and bully you.
“We knew we were going up there for a scrap and it wasn’t going to be a pretty game.
“You’ve got to earn the right to play and win your battles but all they have to offer is intimidation and bullying tactics, which is disappointing.
“We quickly nullified that.
“We have a team that are tough lads on the park and intelligent football wise so when we overcame that it was never going to be a problem.
“It’s a good result to get up there.”
Threave are due to face Lochar Thistle on Saturday, knowing a defeat would end their title hopes and see Saints crowned champions.
The injury worries are beginning to ease with Stuart Douglas now back, although Ryan Coates and Dan Carmichael are out.
Parker added: “It’s looking brighter on the injury front but I haven’t minded running with a lean squad.
“It makes my job a bit easier and seems to create a bit of unity among the boys.
“Lochar have a younger side than they did at the start of the season – they seem to get younger every time we play them!
“They work very, very hard and are organised.
“It’ll be difficult and I’m quite glad it’s at home.”
