St Albans saw what would have been a huge victory in their battle to beat the drop from London North West Three snatched away from them by Stevenage Town inside the last 10 minutes.
The 26-22 reverse leaves them four points above the drop zone, with Cheshunt below them having a game in hand, although the two bonus points secured at North Road could yet prove crucial.
Saints made high-flying Town fight all the way and after conceding the opening try, Brent Lemiere scored their first and Adam Jasinski put them in front.
Things switched round again by half-time as Town scored two more tries, one converted,
But George Elliott scored and converted a try to drag Saints to within two points and when Jasinski ran in an interception for the fourth try, victory was in sight.
It was not to be though and St Albans destiny could now rest on their last game of the season, away to rivals Cheshunt on April 14.
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