A goal in either half saw Emley AFC go down to their first away defeat of the season at Northern Premier League Division One East leaders Cleethorpes Town.
Second-placed Emley could have returned to the top of the table leapfrogging their title rivals but goals from Curtis Bateson and Josh Walker saw Cleethorpes win 2-0 and extend their lead to four points.
The Owls, who beat Emley 3-0 at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground earlier in the season, completed a league double.
The home side went ahead in the 28th minute when Bateson got in behind the Emley defence and smashed in a shot which struck the post, though the assistant referee spotted that the ball had crossed the line.
Blechior Rodrigues had an effort blocked just afterwards and Alex Metcalfe came close to equalising but his volley from 20 yards fizzed wide.
As half-time approached, Emley forced several corners with Jack Cowgill coming closest with a header that went just wide.
Emley started the second half strongly and almost drew level in the 47th minute when a header hit the post.
Amir Berchil had a shot palmed away by the keeper while Harrison Sheppeard saw his curling effort deflected behind for a corner.
Cleethorpes, however, remained resilient and sealed victory in the 81st minute when Walker glanced home after a well-worked move.
Emley keeper Dec Lambton pulled off a great late save to prevent a third.
Emley are at home to Grimsby Borough on Saturday December 21.
