Enfield Town’s eight-match unbeaten run in the league came to an end on Saturday as they were beaten 2-1 at VCD Athletic.

The defeat - the Towners’ first in the Isthmian Premier Division since losing against Hampton & Richmond Borough in September - means Bradley Quinton’s side slip to eighth in the table, three places and five points outside the play-off places.

Town started the stronger of the two sides and saw more of the ball in enjoyed the territorial advantage too, without being able to test Nick Blue in the VCD goal.

Nathan Livings had Town’s first real opportunity after 16 minutes when he saw Blue tip his shot over the bar.

Three minutes later Quinton’s side paid the price for failing to take the lead whilst on top as the hosts scored against the run of play.

Possession was lost cheaply in midfield and the experienced Michael Power ran through to net for VCD.

Jon Constant saw another good chance go astray for the Towners, whilst the hosts saw Grant Basey shoot straight at goalkeeper Nathan McDonald and Aaron Jeffrey fired wide before the break.

Just 50 seconds into the second period VCD doubled their lead, leaving Enfield with a mountain to climb.

A free kick from a deep position was launched into the Town penalty area where Power was again on hand to get the telling touch and turn the ball beyond McDonald.

In the 56th minute the Towners halved the deficit. A surging run by Tyler Campbell was halted by a foul, and from the resulting set piece, Constant curled the ball over the wall to reduce the arrears.

Enfield had chances to draw level; Phil Kane shooting straight at Blue and Mark Kirby planting a header from a free-kick safely into the goalkeeper’s grasp from a good position.

With the visitors pushing for an equaliser, VCD almost snatched a third on the counter but Dean Carpenter was well denied by the alert McDonald.

Enfield hosted Hendon in their re-arranged Isthmian League Cup tie on Tuesday night and are at home to Bury Town on Saturday.