Frome fell to a frustrating defeat against promotion rivals AFC Totton at Badgers Hill on Saturday afternoon.
The Robins had the greater share of possession, and a number of presentable opportunities to score, but a goal in either half ensured it was the away side who collected the three points.
Despite both teams struggling to fashion chances to score from open play, a succession of set-pieces ensured the visitors put pressure on the Frome goal throughout.
After Mike Baker and Warren Maidment had done well to clear a couple of early deliveries, Totton captain Harry Medway got away from his marker to bundle home a 14th minute corner.
Frome almost replied instantly when John Davies got his head to a Martin Lenihan cross, but Lewis Noice in the Totton goal was well positioned to claim the effort.
George Rigg fired over from the edge of the box on two separate occasions as the Robins searched for an equaliser before half-time, but the away side very nearly doubled their advantage as the interval approached.
After a loose pass in midfield, midfielder Ethan Taylor looked set for a one-on-one with James Carey in goal, only for Warren Maidment to recover excellently and nick the ball with a sliding challenge.
Frome came out for the second half having changed formation as Kane Simpson was introduced from the substitutes’ bench to add greater presence in attack.
The forward’s impressive link-up play made the Robins more threatening immediately, and they very nearly drew level when a neat move ended with Davies forcing Noice into his most impressive save of the afternoon.
Ethan Taylor clipped the crossbar against the run of play midway through the half, but Totton did manage to double their lead in the minutes that followed.
The visitors were awarded a penalty after a tangle between Sam Griffin and Matt Smith in the box, giving Hisham Kasimu the opportunity to smash home from the spot and end the game as a contest.
Totton saw out the win to move within two points of the Robins in the Southern League Division One South table.
Frome are back in action next weekend as they make the trip to Sholing for another important fixture.
So similar to our defeat against Cirencester. Same score , same issues. Found it really difficult to create any clear cut chances and gave two very good sides just enough encouragement defensively to concede killer goals. Totten deserved to win- excellent defensively and dangerous up front.
It looks like a play off place is our aim now. We need something from the Sholing game to lift the spirits.
Player Ratings :
Carey Little to do 6
Lenihan- Again wasteful. Unsurprisingly Hooked. 5
Loughlin OK but quiet going forward 6
Teale – Not at his best 6
Baker – Excellent from the Doorman 8
Maidment Did OK 7
Rigg - worked his socks off for the team 7