This win and Dunfermline’s 15-point penalty means Raith Rovers will definitely be playing first division football again next season.
Goals from Greig Spence and top scorer Brian Graham were enough to see off a battling Dumbarton side whose own survival prospects have been enhanced by the plight of the Pars.
Dumbarton dominated the opening exchanges, only to find themselves behind as Rovers drew first blood. The home side had already threatened through Bryan Prunty’s snapshot which flew wide when they were caught cold at the other end.
Joe Hamill’s ball into the box sparked unnecessary panic in the home ranks and, as defenders dithered, Grant Anderson sent a looping header over the stranded Stephen Grindlay.
The ball was destined for the net but Spence, showing a poacher’s instinct, nipped in to apply the finishing touch. Dumbarton, slightly shell-shocked, took time to recover from the setback as Rovers grew in confidence.
However, the home side almost drew level when Scott Agnew unleashed a dipping, long-range shot which drifted narrowly side.
At the other end, Grindlay was alert to the danger as Grant Anderson raced through on goal, the out-rushing keeper timing his challenge to perfection to deny Raith a second goal.
The Sons responded with a further period of possession but, with Rovers defending resolutely, they were restricted to another shot from outside the box, Chris Turner’s effort flashing inches wide.
Dumbarton attacked with renewed vigour after the restart, Agnew setting the tone with a left-foot shot which was just off target. Then Mark Gilhaney’s cross forced a punched save from David McGurn as Jim Lister closed in.
There was respite for the visitors when Graham’s header flashed wide from Hamill’s cross, but an Agnew volley soon saw the Sons resume their search for an equaliser.
However, Raith might have notched a clinching second when substitute Joe Cardle forced a smart save from Grindlay.
Instead Dumbarton were rewarded for their efforts when Agnew’s cross was only half-cleared to Gilhaney whose volley soared into the net.
But Rovers took just five minutes to restore their lead, Graham heading Grant Anderson’s cross firmly beyond Grindlay. This time there was no way back for Dumbarton, who strangely finished the day a place higher than they had started it.