WREXHAM suffered a fourth defeat in five games after losing 4-2 at Ebbsfleet United.
The damage was done in the first half with Wrexham trailing 3-0 at the break.
Manager Bryan Hughes made a triple substitution for the second half and Stuart Beavon - one of the replacements - and Shaun Pearson scored to raise hopes of an unlikely comeback.
However, Ebbsfleet got a late fourth goal to put another dent in Wrexham's promotion challenge.
How the players rated:
ROB LAINTON: Pulled off some saves but beaten three times. 5
KEVIN ROBERTS: Given a tough time by left-winger Myles Weston. 5
JAKE LAWLOR: Wrexham's defence found Ebbsfleet's front three difficult to deal with. 5
SHAUN PEARSON: Early own goal was unfortunate but scored at the other end. 5
JAMES JENNINGS: Kept on the back foot first half, got forward more second half and close to a goal. 5
MARK CARRINGTON: Back in the side but Ebbsfleet dominated midfield battles. 5
KEMY AGUSTIEN: Wasn't as effective as he was on debut. 4
JERMAINE MCGLASHAN: Apart from one run was hardly in the game. 4
AKIL WRIGHT: The midfielder didn't get involved enough. 5
PAUL RUTHERFORD: More in the game second half and set up first goal. 5
ANTHONY SPYROU: Failed to make any impact. 4
LUKE YOUNG: Made a big difference to the midfield when introduced. 6
STUART BEAVON: Got the first goal and made a good all-round contribution. 6
JASON OSWELL: Linked up well with Beavon but should have scored. 5
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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