Tiverton Town lost ground in the race for the play-off positions after going down 2-1 at home to league leaders Merthyr Town on Saturday.
The visitors dominated the first half and took a deserved lead on 38 minutes as Jamie Rewbury headed home.
Only a string of decent saves from Chris Wright kept the hosts in touch, although Owen Howe did see a header cleared off the line.
But the Martyrs doubled the advantage shortly after the second half kicked off, with Corey Jenkins slotting home after a quick counter-attack.
But Tivvy were thrown a lifeline on 59 minutes as Rewbury and Merthyr keeper Tom Bradley had a mix-up in defence which resulted in Howe being felled in the box.
Bradley was sent off and midfielder Gavin Williams went in goal, but he could do little to keep out James Richards' penalty.
But the Yellows struggled to force any clear openings in the final half-hour, allowing Merthyr to return home with the victory to go top.
