Motherwell moved within touching distance of a place in the Champions League after a 1-0 Clydesdale Bank Premier League victory over Hearts at Tynecastle.
Michael Higdon's 16th goal of the season after 29 minutes secured a ninth away win of the season as Stuart McCall's side moved eight points clear of fourth-placed Dundee United.
Higdon, who scuffed an earlier opportunity, struck after Jamie Murphy's swerving shot was parried into his path by Hearts goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald.
The triumph means Motherwell require just two further points from their final two games, at Rangers on Saturday and against United on May 13, to be absolutely certain of finishing third this season.
To deny Well, United must win their three remaining games - at Rangers tomorrow, against champions Celtic on Sunday and at Fir Park on the final day of the season.
Second-placed Rangers' financial troubles mean they are ineligible for European competition.
McCall was reluctant to celebrate Champions League football just yet.
"We're not there yet," said McCall, who will be at Ibrox on Wednesday hoping his former club Rangers beat Dundee United.
"If it is the Champions League and I keep saying 'if' because we've got to get there, it will be by default, because of the nightmare that Rangers have gone through.
"But for us to finish third will be an outstanding achievement. To get Europe alone has been terrific, but hopefully if we can clinch that place and it does end up being Champions League, then it would be beyond any wildest dreams."
