Ross County manager Derek Adams watched from the Dens Park stand as Dundee’s 1-1 draw with Queen of the South meant his team became First Division champions.
The Dark Blues needed to win to put the celebrations on hold at least until this evening when the Staggies travel to Somerset Park to take on Ayr United. However, they fell short, with Stephen O’Donnell’s deflected goal equalised by a Chris Higgins header to earn a precious point for the visitors in their own fight against relegation.
For Dundee, all that is left is the securing of second spot and they will have to put up with a party atmosphere when they head up to Dingwall for their match on Saturday.
Despite that being something to dread, manager Barry Smith was generous in his praise of the new champions.
“County deserve to win the league because they have been so consistent this season,” said Smith. “All credit to them because to go on an unbeaten run like that is a great achievement.
“Any team who manages to do that is going to win the title. So congratulations to them and I hope we look and learn from what they have done.”
Reflecting on the match, Smith added: “I thought we were below-par and there was a lack of urgency. I wasn’t pleased with that.
“Now we have to make sure we finish in second place.”
The Staggies, who were admitted to the Scottish Football League in 1994, will now make their SPL debut next season.