Queen of the South reached the fourth round of the Scottish Cup but were made to battle every inch of the way by third division Montrose.
Queen of the South went close after 13 minutes when a cross by William Gibson was hit first time just wide of the post by Derek Lyle.
Montrose hit back a minute later when Martin Wood had a shot saved by Colin Scott, and a follow-up effort from Craig Smart was blocked on the line by Gary Wood.
From the resulting corner, Neil Stephen shot over the bar.
Montrose again went near in the 24th minute when Kevin Webster cut in from the right and shot narrowly wide.
A minute later Webster linked with Smart and his shot was saved by Scott.
After 26 minutes Queen of the South's Paul Burns should have done better than side-foot wide of the back post. Six minutes later Steve Bowey found himself in on James Butter, but the home keeper pulled off a fine save.
Queen of the South took the lead after 42 minutes. Brian McColligan played the ball through to Lyle, and he fired into the net.
Montrose equalised on the stroke of half-time when Burns handled in the box.
Smart had his penalty saved by Scott, but followed up to net the rebound.
Queen of the South regained the lead in the 50th minute when Gibson struck a first time effort into the net from 25 yards.
Montrose pressed for an equaliser and Wood had a volley cleared off the line. Play continued and a drive from Wood was well saved by Scott.