Queen's Park saw their Scottish Championship title hopes dented after a goalless draw with Ayr.
Owen Coyle's high-flying side knew before kick-off that a win would keep a title push in their hands and move the club above Dundee in the league standings.
The point, however, sees Queen's Park only draw level on points with their Dens Park rivals having played one match more.
It'll come as little comfort for Coyle who has led his charges to an unlikely challenge at the summit this term, but the point does all but secure a playoff place at least.
The result moves Ayr level on points with Partick Thistle in fourth - albeit two behind on goal difference.
Despite an inability to score from either side, there was no lack of endeavour from either side who looked desperate to bolster their respective promotion bids.
Just three minutes in, Ayr forward Sam Ashford forced Calum Ferrie into a smart stop with a looping header required to be turned over the bar.
The hosts were in control of the early exchanges and red-hot Dipo Akinyemi went close just eight minutes later after latching onto a Reece McAlear, but he could only blaze wide on the volley.
Queen's Park had struggled to create but came closest to an opener just four minutes from the break. Connor Shields whipped in a low cross to Scott Williamson to flick at the near post but man of the match Charlie Albinson managed to claw the deflected strike clear.
On the stroke of half time, Ayr were denied by a goalline clearance as Jack Thomson cleared over the bar following Frankie Musonda's speculative header across goal.
Grant Savoury went close for Queen's Park early in the second half with a low drive from the edge of the area but Albinson was again down quickly to pull of an impressive stop.
The hosts should have snatched victory in stoppage time when Akinyemi was afforded acres of space in the box but he glanced his header wide.
Queen's Park boss Coyle commented: "I think a draw was probably fair on the balance of the game.
"Listen, for us it might turn out to be the most important point of the season, who knows what comes tomorrow.
"What we have to do is try to be within two points of Dundee before the last game of the season, but that is in Dundee's hands."
