Second-placed Dunfermline kept the pressure on Raith Rovers with a win over injury-hit Queens at Palmy.
Following a goal-less first half, striker Liam Buchanan bundled the ball over the line to give the Pars the lead after 50 minutes.
Bob Harris' mis-hit long-range back-pass put Dunfermline further ahead five minutes later.
Colin McMenamin replied from close range after 68 minutes, but Joe Cardle slotted home two minutes from the end.
There were few goal-scoring opportunities in the first half.
Dunfermline had played with a little more composure, but it was not until five minutes after the break that they opened the scoring.
When Steven McDougall's corner was bundled over the line, there was debate about whether it was Martin Hardie or Buchanan who got the final touch.
However, it was the former Partick Thistle forward who claimed it.
Dunfermline extended the lead five minutes later with a bizarre own goal from Harris.
Out on the left wing, the defender hit an unstoppable shot past his own goalkeeper.
The Pars were looking comfortable until midway through the half, when McMenamin beat goalkeeper Chris Smith from close range to give Queens a lifeline.
They piled everything forward looking for an equaliser, but Dunfermline always looked dangerous on the break.
And, with two minutes to go, David Graham did well on the touchline to set up a chance for substitute Cardle, who was left unmarked and had an easy finish past David Hutton from around 12 yards.
There was further misery for Queens, who had midfielder Rocco Quinn stretchered off at the end of the first half with a hamstring injury.
Although four of their regulars were missing due to injury and suspensions Queens ran the Pars close but experience told in the end and of course Bob Harris's own goal was the turning point.
Queens Mad Man of the Match - Craig Reid - Once again the solid defender played out of his skin.