Plymouth Argyle claimed their second championship in three seasons when they beat their closest rivals for the Division Two title, giving new manager Bobby Williamson some silverware in his first game in charge.
Two goals in the final ten minutes, from leading scorers Micky Evans and David Friio, kicked off a huge promotion party that became a championship celebration when news of Bristol City's home draw against Brighton filtered through to Home Park.
Rangers must now lift themselves if they are to claim runners-up spot ahead of City, who they lead by a single point with just two games remaining.
A tense match of limited chances, in which both sides spurned good opportunities, was settled right at the death.
First, Evans read David Norris' intentions perfectly to meet the winger's right wing cross with a powerful header.
Then, Friio eased any lingering nerves when he broke through Rangers' wilting rearguard to chip the ball over on-loan goalkeeper Lee Camp.
Earlier, Camp had made two inspired saves from Friio as the 14-goal French midfielder sought to make the breakthrough, tipping a header wide and spreading himself to keep out a powerful shot.
So the Williamson era began with one of the biggest victories in the club's history, although the manager was quick to deflect any praise from himself on to his predecessor Paul Sturrock and coaches Kevin Summerfield and John Blackley.
Rangers' only on-target effort came just before the interval, but Marc Bircham's first-time shot was easily saved by Luke McCormick.
Their best period was just after the interval, when Martin Rowlands shot wide after latching on to Graham Coughlan's weak headed clearance.
They also went close when Rowlands' free-kick was deflected by the defensive wall for a corner.
Argyle, though, showed the greater strength and desire and eventually wore down the visitors to claim their place in Division One.