Oxford United looked to be in real danger of losing their place at the top of the table, as they trailed Crawley Town 1-0 at half-time.
In a scrappy opening 45 minutes, Crawley were much the better team, and scored in the 17th minute when French midfielder Thomas Pinault shot home after Ryan Clarke had parried out a shot.
Clarke made a good stop from Pinault near the end of the half, while Oxford's only really incisive move came when Jack Midson had a right-footed volley from 12 yards also well saved by Crawley keeper Simon Rayner.
But with second-placed Stevenage winning 1-0 at REbbsfleet thanks to a Yemi Odubade goal, United knew they would have to step it up considerably in the second half if they were not to be toppled from the head of the Blue Square Premier.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here