St Johnstone kept their faint hopes of promotion to the Premier League alive with a 2-0 win over Brechin, a result which sees Brechin relegated to the second division.
St Johnstone attacked from the start, and after five minutes a Paul Sheerin snap-shot was saved by Craig Nelson.
After seven minutes a Darren Sheridan free-kick deflected into the air and Steve Milne should have done better than shoot over from close range.
In the 12th minute Milne linked with Sheridan but Nelson saved, and three minutes later a long ball released Milne and Nelson saved with his feet.
St Johnstone struck after 17 minutes when Sheerin combined with Jason Scotland and when his shot was pushed out by Nelson, Milne pounced to score.
It was 2-0 just three minutes later when Ryan Stevenson pulled the ball back for Scotland to drive home.
After 40 minutes a fierce Goran Stanic drive was tipped over by Nelson.
Brechin had a chance on 43 when Charlie King crossed for Grant Johnson, but his shot was saved.
St Johnstone began the second half on the attack and Milne shot just wide. Then two efforts from Martin Hardie were turned away by Nelson.
After 59 minutes a looping Kevin Rutkiewicz shot struck the Brechin crossbar.
St Johnstone continued to press, and substitute Jamie Winter drove over. Then 10 minutes from time a free-kick from Brechin substitute Stuart Callaghan struck the St Johnstone defensive wall.
As time ran out St Johnstone went close again when a Hardie shot flew just wide.