Runcorn Linnets Ladies missed the chance to make up ground on the Division One South leaders in NorthWest Women's Regional League with defeat at Chester Women.
They were beaten 4-1 at Deva Stadium, having beaten the same opponents 3-1 at home earlier in the month.
It was a first league loss in eight for the Hoops, who had accrued six wins with one draw since losing 3-2 at table toppers Poulton Vics Ladies on October 13th.
Linnets were 2-0 down at half-time and while a Chelsea Gillies penalty later made the score 3-1, it just wasn't the visitors' day.
Substitute Erin Parr's second goal sealed the win for Chester, Clara Lee and Emma Gray having put them in charge at the break.
Fifth-placed Seals moved to within three points of Linnets, who remain in fourth position on 34 points from 16 games with 11 victories.
FC St Helens Women, lying in second, blew the title race wide open with a 4-2 defeat of visitors Poulton, whose lead is reduced to two points.
Both teams have now lost twice in 18 league games with Vics boasting one more win.
Mossley Hill Athletic Ladies were not in action yesterday.
Two points from their three games in hand would take Linnets Ladies above the third-placed Liverpudlians.
The Yellow & Greens are 14 and 12 points adrift of Poulton Vics and FC St Helens, respectively, having played two games fewer than both.
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