Second from bottom Pease Pottage stunned second placed East Grinstead with a 2-1 home win in County League division two.
The hosts had been boosted in the week by news that the merger between Eastbourne United and Shinewater is likely to mean only one team will be relegated.
Pottage joint-boss Dudley Christensen said: "In a way it lifted the pressure and we were able to go out and enjoy our football.
"But we want to finish third from bottom. We have our pride and we don't want to stay up just because of the merger."
Peter Sweet opened the scoring for Pottage, only for Kris Trevor to draw Wasps level early in the second half. However, Scott Christensen scrambled a winner and Pottage held on thanks to some fine saves from keeper Neil Gledhill.
Grinstead boss Bob Smith said: "It was just one of those days. We had a lot of the ball after they scored but, to be fair, their goalkeeper was outstanding and things just didn't fall for us in their box.
"But if we thought it was going to be an easy coast towards promotion then we know differently now."
Pottage are now just five points behind third-bottom Crawley Down who sacked joint-manager Shaun Donnelly and replaced him with Darren Barker following Saturday's 1-0 defeat away to fellow strugglers Steyning Town.
The club moved for former Three Bridges manager Barker when it became known he was looking to get back involved with football after a short break from the game.
Chairman Brian Suckling said: "When somebody with UEFA qualifications becomes available at this level, you not only have to act quickly but you have to be prepared to restructure around that experience.
"Darren will use all his ability to ensure that our club moves forward and I know that, despite the disappointment of Shaun leaving, he will be welcomed back into our club by all members and supporters."
Alan Watson, joint-manager with Donnelly, will carry out a similar role with Barker.
George Trafford's goal on his first appearance of the season condemned Crawley Down to defeat at Steyning.
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