James Grady's late goal secured a 3-2 win at Ross County, just as it looked as though St Johnstone would pip Gretna to the title and promotion.

Gretna had a 12-point cushion earlier in the season but Saints had whittled that down to one point by the start of the final day of the SFL season.

With Saints leading at Hamilton, and Gretna only drawing, the long-time leaders looked to have thrown away their chance.

However Grady's second goal of the game arrived in injury time, sparking delirious scenes among the travelling Gretna supporters, who were left to celebrate a third successive promotion and the prospect of facing the likes of Celtic and Rangers next season.

Bankrolled by wealthy businessman Brooks Mileson, Gretna left the Northern Premier League First Division and joined the SFL Third Division five years ago.

They needed to hold their nerve today to complete a fairytale rise through the leagues, but came into the match without a goal in their previous four matches.

At one stage they trailed to Ross while Saints were leading at Hamilton.

Later, after going in front, Gretna were pegged back by Ross to again leave Saints in pole position for promotion.

Michael Gardyne, on loan from Celtic, put Ross ahead after 30 minutes, but four minutes later Nicky Deverdics levelled the scores.

Thirty-six-year-old Grady gave Gretna the lead three minutes before half-time.

St Johnstone were 3-1 up on Hamilton at half-time, courtesy of goals from Kevin James, Martin Hardie and Jason Scotland, with James McCarthy pulling one back for Accies.

A fresh twist arrived in the second half when Ross, battling for survival in front of a 6,000-plus crowd, drew level with Gretna. Another Celtic loanee, Diarmuid O'Carroll, got the goal.

Hamilton pulled back to 3-2 against St Johnstone, who soon restored their two-goal cushion when Hardie netted again.

Hamilton got back to 4-3 when striker Brian Wake netted, but the drama was happening at Dingwall.

Gretna had already missed several chances, but with time running out Grady ensured himself hero status by ensuring the club from a town of less than 3,000 residents will take their place next season among the top 12 teams in Scotland.

The final whistle gave the green light for SFL officials to set off by helicopter to present the team with the trophy.

The helicopter arrived just before 5.30pm, but as Gretna celebrated, Ross were left to prepare for a season in the Second Division as their relegation was confirmed.