Battling Slazengers 3rds hit back from three goals behind at half-time to push second-placed Epworth all the way before losing their Yorkshire League clash 3-2.
Slazengers were still in danger of relegation going into the Division Five contest and were not helped by having top scorer Claire Dunstan pinched by the already-promoted second team at the last moment.
Perhaps their planning was affected as they leaked three goals to their high-flying visitors, who had won the reverse fixture 8-0, during a largely one-sided first half.
But the second half was a different story and midfielder Linda Stacey took advantage of the improvement to score twice, the first goal with a powerful shot from the edge of the D and the second via a deflection off a defender after a short corner.
Lizzie Tunstall excelled in goal to keep Slazengers in contention during the first half, while birthday girl Hetty Walker also impressed in midfield.
Despite the defeat, Slazengers had cause to celebrate later as other results went their way, meaning they would finish above the drop zone with one match still to play.
