AFC Sudbury produced a spirited performance as they lost 3-1 to title-chasing Stowmarket Town in the Thurlow Nunn First Division.
The visitors, in a red strip, dominated the early stages, and took the lead in the 12th minute, as Mical Moore rose highest to head home from a corner.
The hosts replied to the goal, as Makai McKenzie forced visiting goalkeeper Lewis Higgins into a low save in the 16th minute.
This was followed by a 19th minute free-kick which was cleared by Jon Carver, which resulting in a counter-attack which was headed away by Ben Judge.
The visitors responded with efforts from George Bugg and Lloyd Clark which were both wide of the target, while a 29th minute corner was flagged for offside.
Stowmarket doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark as Moore slotted home from close range for his second goal of the match.
It got worst for the hosts as Callum Fuller saw a straight red card following an incident just before the break.
Stowmarket took advantage of the dismissal, as George Bugg calmly finished on the stroke of half time, to give the visitors a 3-0 lead.
Half-time: AFC Sudbury 0-3 Stowmarket Town
The hosts controlled the early stages of the second half: a free-kick was played short to Ben Hunter who sprinted forward and forced Lewis Higgins into a good save.
Stowmarket looked to get a fourth goal, and came close in the 53rd minute as Remi Garrett's cross was blocked by Hunter, before the ball met George Bugg who chipped the ball over from close range.
Steve Holder replaced Mical Moore in the 55th minute for Stow's first change.
The Yellows produced a marvellous play from a free-kick, but Higgins claimed the ball.
Ash Holmes and Phil Weavers departed for Anton Clarke and Scott Marjoram, as the visitors made their final set of changes.
Another good chance from the Yellows saw Kane Munday play Makai McKenzie into a one-on-one with goalkeeper Lewis Higgins, but the Stow goalkeeper blocked the effort.
Callum Watson was replaced by Sam Mills (72'), before Kade Ivatt was brought on for Makai McKenzie (75').
The Yellows pulled a goal back, moments after, as Joe Walker slotted home from a corner past Higgins.
Sudbury's final change, two minutes later, saw Kane Munday leave for Kie Dyer.
Both sides went on to produce several efforts in the final ten minutes, but it was the visitors who held on for the three-points.
Full-time: AFC Sudbury 1-3 Stowmarket Town
AFC Sudbury: Luca Collins, Jake Colclough, Ben Judge, Ben Hunter, Toby Mitchell, Kane Munday (Kie Dyer, 77'), Callum Watson (Sam Mills, 74'), Callum Fuller (sent off 39'), Mekhi McKenzie (Kade Ivatt, 74), Ryan McNicholas. Unused: Ollie Peters.
Stowmarket Town: Lewis Higgins, Lloyd Clark, Ben Licence, Ash Holmes (Anton Clarke, 65'), Jon Carver, Phil Weavers (Scott Marjoram, 65'), Jack Baker, Mical Moore (Steve Holder, 55'), Remi Garrett, Duane Wright, George Bugg. All subs used.