Defeat for Dereham leaves them three points for safety heading into the final game of the season.
The Magpies were beaten 3-1 by promotion-chasing Sporting Khalsa at Aldiss Park on April 15 in the Northern Premier League - Midlands Division, leaving the Norfolk side three points from safety.
Dereham got off to the worse possible starts against the Midlands side, who opened the scoring in the 8th minute when Harry Cunningham converted James McGrady’s cross from close range.
Chances continued coming in for the away side as McGrady headed Sean into home keeper Ross Bilham’s arms and made a save at the feet of Miracle Okafor after Richard Black had held the attacker off in the 21st minute.
The visitors were aided by a stiff breeze, with the Magpies' passes holding up.
As the pressure continued, Bilham had to be alert several times and made a vital save to deny Cunningham in a one-on-one situation.
Dereham missed their first chance just before halftime after Johnson’s cutting run on the left byline found Blake, who volleyed inches over with a crisp left foot effort.
Just after half-time Dereham were two goals down after Harry Cunningham netted from close range as the static home side waited for an offside flag.
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Khalsa added a third in the 54th minute through Miracle Okafor.
Dereham was able to grab a consolation goal as Matt Blake rounded the away side’s keeper and netted to reduce the deficit in the 75th minute.
The goal lifted Dereham’s spirits, but they could not produce any more chances against the resilient visitors.
The defeat lives Dereham three points from safety and will need to see Gresley Rovers beaten, and the Magpies pick up three points - as well as seeing a five-goal swing in their favour.
If not, Dereham will have to take place in a relegation playoff game in May to retain their spot in the division.
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