FOLLOWING a 3-1 defeat to Dumbarton, Annan Athletic must now contest the League One play-offs in order to try and keep themselves in the Scottish third tier.
Had the Black and Golds managed to beat their already relegated opponents in the penultimate contest of the campaign, then they could have taken things to the final day this weekend.
But as things happened, Inverness beat Arbroath 3-0 which means they have moved out of reach with only three points left to play for.
Annan enjoyed the best of the early possession, and they almost made it count as Charlie Maxwell headed just wide of the upright.
Not long after David Wilson thought he had the hosts ahead but his effort was ruled out for offside.
Tommy Muir was next to try his luck for the visitors just after the half hour mark.
He headed towards goal following Maxwell’s cross but Shay Kelly saved well from close range.
Minutes later Scott Hooper was booked after giving away a free kick in a promising position. Sons captain Ryan Blair proceeded to curl the set piece low into the corner, making it 1-0 to the hosts.
Kalvin Orsi and Wilson had chances to extend Dumbarton’s lead before the break but both were denied.
Things went from bad to worse for Annan soon after the restart. They were a goal down and a man down after Hooper received a second yellow for another foul.
But the ten men fought hard to level things up. Josh Dixon forced another top save from Kelly, but the returning Tommy Goss eventually beat the in form keeper on the hour.
Gibson’s corner was headed home by the big striker who was making his return following several months out with injury.
Any momentum Annan had was lost 15 minutes later as the fire alarm triggered an evacuation with fans making their way onto the pitch.
Following the delay, Dumbarton showed intent and restored their lead. Joel Mumbongo combined with fellow substitute Tony Wallace. Former Annan man Wallace beat two defenders before slotting home.
Less than two minutes later the hosts had a third. James Hilton found the net after Jamie Smith’s initial save.
With ten minutes remaining Annan were awarded a penalty. However, the excellent Kelly got down to save Goss’ attempt from 12 yards.
