FC United suffered a shock defeat at struggling Clitheroe.
Chasing a seventh straight victory, the breakaway club were expected to keep the pressure on UniBond League Division One North leaders Curzon Ashton.
But goals from Joel Byrom and Paul Fildes after the break handed the hosts the advantage and, although Chris Baguley's free-kick reduced the deficit on 65 minutes, the Rebels could not find the equaliser and left empty-handed.
On a miserable day for the FC, there was at least some good news after they discovered Stuart Rudd's knee injury is not as bad as first thought.
There were fears last season's top-scorer would not play again this term but he is now expected back within four to six weeks.
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