Sutton United's dream of progressing to the second round of the FA Cup slipped away at Gander Green Lane after Richard Butcher headed League Two visitors Notts County a 75th-minute winner.
The goal came after good work down the right and a pin-point cross from Matt Hamshaw.
Prior to the goal Sutton had been pushing hard and, with manager Paul Doswell bringing on fresh legs in Matt Hann and former Southampton midfielder David Hughes, were gearing up for one last assault on Russell Hoult's goal.
Towards the end of the first period, Sutton had been stemming the tide against the Magpies.
United started well, even denying their illustrious visitors posession for the first four minutes, culminating in Steve West's blocked free-kick from the edge of the area.
They held their own for the first part of the half, too, as Craig Dundas competed well in midfield and skipper Chris Collins looked composed at centre-half against powerhouse striker Delroy Facey.
But as the half wore on, the Magpies started to get to grips with the sodden pitch and began to exert their influence.
With them winning the battle in midfield, Sutton were being forced to drop further back and as a result were unable to offer much of a goal threat, with West often left isolated up front.
Having said that, County did not force keeper Paul Nicholls into a save, and the most noteworthy incident of the half was Dundas's booking for a clumsy tackle on Lewis Neal.
Sutton United: Nicholls, Jackson, Bray, Heroo, Collins (capt), El-Salahi, Palmer (Hughes 67), McKimm (Dunn 78), Dundas, MacCallum, West (Hann 72).
Subs not used: Wilde, Eribenne, J Smith, McLoughlin.
Attendance: 2,041
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