Raynn Bruce continued his try-scoring sequence but it was not enough to save Worthing from a depressing 26-10 defeat at promotion rivals Portsmouth in London Two South.
Prop Bruce rounded off a superb piece of forward play and a conversion and penalty by debut full back Nick French saw the Sussex side go 10-0 up by half-time.
That lead was quickly wiped out in an error-strewn second half display and injuries reduced them to 14 men in the closing stages.
French and skipper Mike Imrie were among the men to go off.
Gosport and Fareham's win at Tunbridge Wells means Worthing stay top but they will need a win in the return game with Portsmouth next Saturday as things get tighter than ever at the top of the table.
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