Pelicans tasted defeat for the first time with a 3-2 loss against newly-formed Cambridge HC who were promoted last season.
They still find themselves top of the league thanks to a superior goal difference.
In an even first half, Pelicans had an early blow when influential midfielder Kirwin Christoffels had to leave the pitch due to an injury.
In among the reshuffle, Pelicans took some time to settle and went 1-0 to a scrappy finish from a short corner.
Despite this set back they had chances through Harry Sampson and Ian Simmons.
With the last act of the first half, it was almost 2-0, another short corner but this time an unbelievable clearance on the goal line from Jack Major kept the score at 1-0.
The second half followed a similar pattern both teams looking dangerous in spells but Pelicans struggled to keep hold of the ball and found themselves 2-0 down.
This finally pushed the visitors into some attacking action as they began to throw caution to the wind.
Chances fell the way of George Van Aalst, Sam Phillips and Ollie Booth but they were unable to find the target.
With just 10 minutes to go the game Pelicans pulled one back, a shot from Miles Doncaster deflected across the D to Simons who finished expertly across the onrushing goalkeeper into the far corner.
Soon afterwards it was 2-2 a short corner which was brilliantly won by Sam Major down the right, was put in via a deflection by captain Phillips.
Sensing victory Pelicans were finally up for this but just minutes later they suffered late heartbreak when the home side retook the lead and managed to hold onto a 3-2 win.
Special mention to player of the match Jack Major who was outstanding in midfield, playing out of position when his side lost Christoffels to injury.
A disappointing result for Pelicans who will bounce back quickly, starting on Saturday with a home fixture against Spalding at 2pm.
The club would like to welcome as many ex-players as possible to come and watch, so if you’re free please come along, support the team and reminisce about pulling on the black and purple.
4Way MoM: Jack Major.
