ASHFORD United claimed a huge three points in the race for the Southern Counties East Football League title with a 2-1 win against league leaders Whyteleafe at Homelands.
Sam Conlon opened the scoring for the Nuts & Bolts before Pat Kingwell headed into his own net to level the scores at half time.
But captain Gary Clarke hit the winner for Ashford eight minutes from time against ten-man Leafe - who saw Alex Penfold sent off in the first half - to earn a priceless three points.
It was a very entertaining game of football and Leafe came at Ashford early doors, Taylor Smith looking very lively on the right.
But it was the home side who had the first meaningful effort on goal when Gary Clarke scuffed an 18-yard volley off the angle of post and bar.
And Ashford took the lead on ten minutes when Ronnie Dolan ran through the heart of the defence and his shot was saved by Leafe keeper Ceesay but the rebound fell kindly for Sam Conlon who tapped into an empty net.
Dolan was again involved five minutes later as his cross was diverted narrowly wide by Dan Scorer.
Leafe equalised on 17 minutes, when skipper Jason Thompson's excellent free kick from the right was swung in with pace and venom and Pat Kingwell headed into his own net.
The vistors were on top but shot themselves in the foot on 35 minutes when they were reduced to ten men. Sam Conlon skinned Alex Penfold and the right-back brought Conlon down cynicaly and as he was last man, trudged off for an early bath and no complaints.
In the second half, Ashford ramped up the pressure. On 49 minutes, Gary Clarke lofted a delightful pass to Scorer but his lob over Ceesay was just too heavy and sailed over.
A minute later, Clarke drilled in an excellent cross but Scorer again couldn't make the most of it and hit the ball well over the bar on the stretch.
Ronnie Dolan was causing havoc down the Leafe right and he won a corner, which he then swung in that was headed over by Kingwell. Minutes later Dolan put in another great cross but Clarke's finish was wild.
The home side kept pushing and pushing and they were finally rewarded eight minutes from the end. Dolan's cross wasn't cleared and the ball fell to Clarke 12 yards out and he smashed home into the top right hand corner to spark wild celebrations.
Whyteleafe's lead at the top of the table has been cut to nine points from 12. Ashford face Canterbury City at home on Monday night in another massive clash.
