Rosslyn Park’s hard-fought 20-14 win over fourth place Fylde leaves them in third place in National League One.
The lack of a bonus point leaves them now 10 points behind leaders Ealing Trailfinders and four behind Coventry.
Park still have games to play against both clubs, but cannot afford to slip in any of their remaining matches if they are to sustain a title challenge.
This weekend, Park have another home match, against Loughborough, kicking off at 3pm.
Park will be looking to complete a double, having won by 36-29 in the Midlands earlier this season.
However, the closeness of that scoreline shows that Park can take nothing for granted.
Head coach Alex Codling said: “I was delighted with the effort of the boys [against Fylde] and to start the new year with a win was really pleasing.
Match report and pics from Rosslyn Park v Fylde
“Despite extremely tough conditions both teams tried to play. Having dominated territory in the first half, to only be 14-7 ahead was disappointing.
“Big credit to Fylde who threw everything at us in the second half but our desire to hold out at the end for multiple phases was immense.
“This week we host Loughborough Students at the Rock. It is key that we build from last Saturday against a team who also like to play with tempo and ball in hand. So once again it will be a tough test but should be a cracking game."
Louis Grimoldby missed last Saturday’s match due to illness, but should be available for selection this week.
A concern will be flanker Mike McFarlane, who scored the first of Park’s two tries on Saturday, but limped off the field before half time.
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