Witham missed out on the chance to win Ryman League Division One North as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Cheshunt.
Garry Kimble's side just had to win to secure promotion, but despite taking the lead through Tom Wraight, they were pegged back by Allen Bossman's strike after an error from keeper Martyn Guest.
John Megicks looked to have scored for Cheshunt early in the second period but his effort was ruled to not be over the line, and Witham threw everything forward.
But the closest they came was a Kris Newby shot which hit the post, and they will now have to make do with the play-offs after VCD Athletic smashed Romford 5-0.
Witham started well and the first three efforts on goal were all theirs, Anthony Anstead heading wide, Kris Newby having a shot blocked and then James Stevens whistling a long-range effort just over the top.
Another Newby shot was then blocked and fell to Lewis Godbold, but his instinctive effort hit Anstead and went over the top.
And it wasn't against the run of play when the visitors took the lead on 14 minutes, the home defence hesitated as Newby crossed from the right and Wraight nipped in to head into the bottom corner.
The visitors looked as though they could up a gear at any stage, but apart from a Danny Emmanuel shot which went over the top and a Connor Mead effort straight at Will Viner, they were not creating chances of note.
And nine minutes before the break they were made to pay as Guest had a moment to forget, scuffing a clearance straight to Omer Riza, who took time to pick out Bossman and he curled into the top corner.
Witham started brightly after the break and Newby sent a shot just over the top, before Cheshunt were denied the lead in controversial circumstances.
Megicks volleyed an effort from 25 yards which beat Guest all ends up and hit the underside of the crossbar and appeared to go over the line, but the match officials waved play on.
Wraight was denied by Viner as the visitors looked to make the most of that let-off, before Felix Ogeah-Andrews beat the home keeper to a cross, but headed over.
And Cheshunt always looked dangerous on the break, with Guest having to deny Riza from an angle.
Witham were sending a lot of balls into the box, but the Cheshunt's defence dealt with most of them, although Viner did have to save a Lee Townrow header.
As the clock ticked down it became all the more nervy, and Newby was inches away from winning the title when his low shot hit the outside of the post and went away for a goal-kick.
Megicks hit the post in stoppage time, and for all their endeavour, Witham will have to make do with the play-offs.
Manager Kimble left the field in tears but must now pick his side up for Tuesday night when Needham Market will visit Spa Road after an incredible 7-1 win over Chatham which saw them overhaul Thurrock and clinch fifth place.
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