Basingstoke Town are up to fourth in the Ryman Premier Division after sending Hayes packing 3-1 at the Recreation Ground.
Their failure to clear a corner gifted the visitors the lead shortly before half-time, but it was their prolific frontline duo of Craig McAllister and Neville Roach who steered the league's second highest scorers on course for victory.
Alex Ewin twice provided the ammunition for leading marksman McAllister to head home and the Bitterne-based striker - who now has 27 goals in his account - should have completed a hat-trick, but missed two one-on-ones.
If he had been greedier, he could even have gone for goal himself after skipping through the Hayes defence in the 80th minute, but he unselfishly squared for Roach to stroke home his 19th of the season.
Leaders Aldershot maintained their Conference push with a 4-0 home win over Hampton & Richmond Borough. All four goals came in a 22-minute second-half blitz from Roscoe D'Sane (2), Anthony Charles and Lee Charles.
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