Rushden & Diamonds are now heavily involved the relegation mix-up at the foot of division two after their defensive resistance was finally broken at fellow strugglers Grimsby.
Rushden player-boss Barry Hunter thought the decisive 79th minute penalty was 'never a spot kick' but midfielder Phil Jevons kept his cool to send keeper Billy Turley the wrong way.
On a windy afternoon the ball blew off the penalty spot but Jevons was unfazed and calmly replaced it before rolling the ball into the net.
Jevons said afterwards: "This was one of the most important goals I've scored in my career." If it proves to be a springboard to keep the Mariners in the second division that is certainly true.
After conceding the goal Diamonds threw caution to the wind but the needless sending off of striker Robert Duffy for use of the elbow did not exactly help their cause.
The visitors might have snatched something when they were awarded a free-kick just outside the box but the shot was charged down.
Then it all became like the Keystone Cops as Grimsby sub David Soames raced almost the length of the pitch before his shot was blocked by Turley.
The Mariners were in control in the first half and could have led by two or three goals.
Manager Nicky Law told his players to remain patient and keep their shape and they were never seriously troubled.
Even so time was running out and Grimsby's second division future was looking in serious trouble before their vital breakthrough.
It now means that Grimsby face successive matches against fellow strugglers Stockport and Brentford who have both hit a rich seam of form.
But for Rushden the future is bleak unless they can conjure up a goal from somewhere as an immediate return to Division Three looks more and more likely.