Queens Park were denied a point by a last-gasp Montrose goal, as the Spiders pushed forward in search of the winner that their play merited.
The game started in turgid fashion as both teams struggled to stamp their authority on the match. Matters were made worse by a wicked swirling wind which was circling around the vast expanses of the National Stadium.
It took until 25 minutes for either side to muster an effort on goal. The home side forced a corner kick and were inches away from netting. Ross Clark swung in a dangerous ball from the right and Damiano Agostini sent a towering header just wide of target.
The Spiders were denied by the woodwork when Ally Graham's looping shot came back of the crossbar. The rebound fell to Brian Blair but the midfielder was caught flat-footed and he fired over from close range.
Montrose took the lead against the run of play after 39 minutes. Calum Watson turned eight yards from goal before firing high into the top right corner of the net past David Crawford.
The home side deservedly levelled on the stroke of half-time. Graham prodded the ball through to Alan Trouten and the youngster netted from close range.
Chances were few and far between after the interval despite Queens Park dominating possession.
As the Spiders pushed forward in search of a second, Montrose netted a winner against the run of play. Kerr Dodds crossed for Craig Smart who netted with ease from close range.