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Rangers recorded a goalless draw with Montrose hours before being confirmed as Scottish Third Division winners.

Queen's Park's defeat by Elgin City left Ally McCoist's side with an unassailable lead.

David Templeton, Lee Wallace and Kane Hemmings all came close for the visitors at Links Park

Montrose's Martin Boyle netted midway through the second half but a foul on Rangers goalkeeper Neil Alexander meant the goal did not stand.

With Elgin winning 1-0 at Hampden, second-place Queen's Park remain 22 points off the summit with seven matches still to play.

Templeton was Rangers' main attacking threat in the first half, testing John Gibson with a dipping volley before having another effort deflected out.

A clever pass from the winger also opened up a chance for Wallace but Gibson did enough to divert the ball out via the top of the crossbar.

Montrose weathered the storm and soon threatened when Jamie Winter's long-range shot was saved by Alexander.

And Boyle should have put the hosts ahead when he met Stephen McNally's superb cross, the striker nodding wide instead.

The hosts started the second half brightly and David Gray's powerful drive rose just over the bar.

At the other end, Hemmings' fierce shot on the turn was well saved by Gibson.

Boyle turned the ball into the Rangers net after Alexander had blocked Terry Masson's volley but referee Kevin Clancy's whistle had already sounded for a foul by Garry Wood.

A blast by Winter from a free-kick gave Alexander more work to do as Montrose continued to dominate.

Having watched their team struggle in a 0-0 draw with Stirling Albion last week, the Rangers fans were left frustrated as McCoist's men found it difficult to hold the ball in attacking areas.

Emilson Cribari's overhead shot was clutched by Gibson following a set piece delivered into the Montrose box.

And the result was confirmed when Alexander held Paul Watson's free-kick in injury time.

Montrose: Gibson, McNally, Campbell, McDonald (Leighton McIntosh 90), Watson, Masson, David Gray (Lloyd Young 63), Winter (Richard McIntosh 85), Johnston, Boyle, Garry Wood. Subs Not Used: Sandy Wood, McCord.

Booked: McDonald, Johnston.

Rangers: Alexander, Hegarty, Emilson Cribari, McCulloch, Wallace, Faure, Crawford (McKay 58), Black, Hutton, Templeton, Hemmings (Naismith 69). Subs Not Used: Smith, Argyriou, Aird.

Booked: Templeton, Emilson Cribari.

Att: 4,686

Ref: Kevin Clancy