Dereham's unbeaten run in the Bostik North Division came to an end when they went down 2-1 at home to Brentwood.
The Magpies were looking for their fifth straight win in their battle to pull away from the relegation zone.
If there was any consolation it was that everything remains the same with the three teams at the bottom unable to make up ground – Soham and Mildenhall both lost on Saturday while Romford were beaten by Canvey Island on Sunday.
After a tame opening at Aldiss Park, in which defences remained on top, Joe Gatting stretched to head David Hinton's centre wide in the 11th minute. Rhys Logan and Adam Hipperson then combined well with the latter's cross-cum-shot forcing keeper Robert Budd to save.
Brentwood had their first chance when Alfie Hilton fired wide following Connor Martin's corner. In the 24th minute fine play by Logan released Ryan Crisp who found Hipperson at the far post but his low drive failed to trouble Budd.
Brentwood took the lead in the 29th minute when the ball fell to Connor Martin in the box and he made no mistake from close range.
Dereham replied with Gatting setting up Hipperson but his measured 20-yard drive just cleared the bar.
The Magpies went further behind in the 62nd minute when Charlee Hughes gained possession in an advanced position on the left and scored with a fierce drive.
But Dereham reduced the deficit five minutes later when Sam Borrer moved well into the box and slotted home Crisp's centre from the left.
Dereham went in search of an equaliser and Budd made a fine save to keep out Gatting's downward header then made a brilliant save from a Shaun Wones header in the 84th minute.
Eastern Counties League
Norwich United were left feeling proud but frustrated after almost holding on for an unlikely draw at Premier Division high-fliers Woodbridge Town – after being reduced to nine men.
Ben Jones went closest to breaking the deadlock, shooting narrowly wide in a hard-fought physical first half.
Sam Applegate was the first to be dismissed for a second yellow card 11 minutes after the break, and when Jones followed, also for a second yellow, 12 minutes later the Planters were left with a tough task.
Some resilient defending and some excellent goalkeeping from Luke Pearson saw them keep their goal intact until Jake Rudge popped up with a 90th-minute winner to deny the Planters a fully deserved point.
Kirkley & Pakefield will be delighted after equalising twice to come away from leaders Histon with a point after a 2-2 draw.
Isaac Burrage's first goal for Gorleston gained his side three points at Brantham.
Wroxham had to settle for a point in a 1-1 draw at bottom side Framlingham Town while Thetford will be happier with their point at Newmarket.
Wroxham's goal came from Sonny Carey while Sam Bond scored for Thetford.
In the First Division North, leaders Harleston beat Leiston Reserves 5-1 and are four points clear of Mulbarton Wanderers, who suffered a surprise 3-1 reverse at bottom club Needham Market Reserves.
Anglian Combination
Sheringham moved up to second place with a 2-1 home win over fellow title hopefuls Long Stratton, thanks to a brace of goals from Jamie Nelson. Solomon Pope replied for the visitors, who are third, on the same points as the Shannocks, who have two games in hand.
Caister remain top after a 3-1 home win over Mattishall, with goals from George Barnden, A shley King and Jordan Stanton. Xavier Huckle replied.
Waveney moved up to fourth after they beat Bradenham Wanderers 2-0, Connor Swan and George Barber getting the goals. Norwich Ceyms drew 2-2 at Beccles. Darrell Delaney scord twice for the visitors, with Beccles' goals coming from Billy Shaw and Steven Bee. Wymondham slipped to sixth after losing at Wroxham Reserves – Henry Metcalf with the only goal.
FA County Youth Cup
Holders Norfolk are through to the final again after beating Cheshire 3-1 at Ellesemere Port.
They trailed at half-time, but goals from James Bemrose, Aaron Rich and Karol Wengrzik clinched their place in the final against Manchester.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here