Montrose found themselves hauled back to the verge of the basement scrap in League Two when they were beaten 1-0 by Berwick at Shielfield on Saturday.
The Gable Endies went into the match six points ahead of Rangers, knowing that a victory could have put nine points between themselves and their second from bottom hosts.
“I think everyone realises the importance of games like these,” admitted Montrose boss Paul Hegarty.
“They are all key games, but Berwick looked the better side and to be honest we didn’t put enough pressure on them.
“Terry Masson had a deflected shot which hit a post, but we didn’t make their goalkeeper work.
“John (Coughlin) has got his side working well for each other, and although we raised our game in the second half, we were undone by a set-piece, and anybody in football will tell you that if you can’t defend properly at set-pieces you are going to make life difficult for yourselves.”
Montrose were forced to defend in the first half with Berwick front pair Darren Lavery and Blair Henderson both going close in the opening exchanges.
Gary Fraser fired over for the visitors with an effort from outside the box, while Gable Endies keeper Jordan Miller had to produce a fine save from a Ewan McNeil piledriver when the ball fell to him outside the box after a corner.
Lavery also went close with a header before Ross Campbell had a thunderous free-kick turned around for a corner by Kevin Walker just before the break.
In the second half Masson hit the outside of a post before Henderson headed the winner in the 72nd minute, rising to turn in a free -kick from Finn Graham.
Montrose tried to force their way back into contention, but the home defence stood firm, restricting their efforts on goal and in the end Hegarty’s side left empty-handed.