There were only three games taking place in the Scottish Championship this afternoon, none of which could directly affect the race for the title, which at this stage looks to be a straight shoot-out between Rangers and Hearts, the latter currently three points clear of the Glasgow side with six games gone.
Today was about the other end of the table, with battles being fought in and around the relegation places.
Cowdenbeath remain bottom of the pile, though a 2-1 home win over a side comfortably mid-table in Queen of the South will give them heart as they attempt to keep pace with the pack. It was The Miners' first win of the season and leaves Jimmy Nicholl's side with four points from seven games.
Dumbarton were the day's other winners, putting in a shift at home as they welcomed Alloa Athletic. A first half strike from Archie Campbell got the ball rolling for The Sons, wrapped up by Jordan Kirkpatrick and Colin Nish after the interval.
Stephen Simmons stole a consolation with a right-footed shot from outside the box to the top right corner, but Dumbarton were the better side and jumped to fifth place in the division as a result.
Elsewhere, Raith Rovers and Falkirk played out a goalless draw with little incident, though a point for Rovers takes them level with second-placed Rangers having played a game more than Ally McCoist's side.
Results in full: Cowdenbeath 2-1 Queen of the South, Dumbarton 3-1 Alloa Athletic, Raith Rovers 0-0 Falkirk
Phil Archbold
