Worcester City narrowly lost out at an Alfreton Town side that justified their place amongst the promotion favourites in Blue Square Bet North.
Liam Hearn gave the Reds a deserved half-time lead when his 29th-minute shot went in off an upright.
But Worcester rallied and they levelled when Ryan Clarke headed home following Neil Cartwright's long throw.
Alfreton's winner came from Anthony Wilson's header 12 minutes from time and the home side held on for the win.
Worcester City manager Carl Heeley told BBC Hereford and Worcester: "It's a disappointing outcome and result because for my money Alfreton will win the league comfortably.
"For the first 20 minutes their pace and movement was exceptional and they caused us all sorts of problems.
"But we dug in there and we defended well to get a little foothold in the game and in the second half I thought we were the better side."
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