FC UNITED ended their `mini-blip' with a last-gasp 3-2 win over Ramsbottom at Gigg Lane.
The Reds' four-game run without a win looked set to continue as Ramsbottom took an early lead through Carl Thomas before adding a second just after the break with an unfortunate own goal from Rob Nugent.
But the Rebels fought back, with captain Dave Chadwick heading home from a corner before substitute Rory Patterson won a penalty which Alex Mortimer converted.
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Then, two minutes from time, the 2,924 crowd got the late Christmas present they wanted with a Nicky Platt winner.
FC play Newcastle Town on Saturday at Gigg Lane (3pm).
FC UNITED'S dream of an FA Vase final came crashing down as they suffered two red cards and a deciding goal in the last minute of extra time against Quorn.
The Rebels played for an hour - including a bizarre eight minutes of added time - with nine men after the controversial dismissals of defender Liam Coyne and midfielder Josh Howard.
But what had looked like being an heroic rearguard action ended in a shattering 3-2 defeat deep in extra time as Quorn sub Nigel Julien crashed in a brilliant 25-yard winner.
But the talking point was referee Mr Duncan, with Quorn manager Marcus Law sympathising with his opposite number Karl Marginson, saying how well his team had played "considering they were nine men against 12."
Marginson was blazing mad with Mr Duncan but had no qualms about the dismissal of Liam Coyne, who appeared to push an opponent in the face during a 21-man brawl.
"I didn't see why he had to red-card their man in particular when there were 20 grown men pushing each other around," said Law.
Marginson was furious at Howard's dismissal on 67 minutes.
He was booked in the first half for dissent and then shown a second yellow for an innocuous foul on Paul White.
"I just hope there was a referees' assessor in the stand because this referee should have to answer to someone," said Marginson.
Quorn took the lead when White seized on Sam Ashton's punch to smash home a half-volley.
Rory Patterson equalised and FC went ahead on 86 minutes when Rob Nugent stabbed the ball home.
Within two minutes the lead was wiped out by Jermaine Gordon and Quorn went on to win the tie with what was virtually the last kick.
FC UNITED manager Karl Marginson blasted his players after they stumbled to a 1-1 draw with Congleton Town, and go into next week's vital FA Vase third round tie in their worst form.
After suffering a 3-0 home defeat by Atherton Collieries, the Rebels had to come from behind to snatch a point in a game switched to Witton Albion's ground, the first time they have gone two games without a win.
"Too many of them are getting a bit cocksure of themselves," blazed Marginson, after Josh Howard had scrambled in a 66th minute equaliser to a first half goal from the Bears' Scott Murcott.
"It's all very well signing autographs and hearing your name sung, but if they carry on playing like that some of them won't be at this club for very long."
The result could have been worse, with Scott Williams hitting a post and Jordan Johnson's cross being deflected on to the bar keeper Sam Ashton.
But FC missed a penalty, Rory Patterson seeing his spot kick saved by Paul Forester after sub Phil Power had gone down in the box.
Now FC's thoughts turn to the visit of Quorn to Gigg Lane in the Vase on Saturday, and top scorer Stuart Rudd is set to return after missing the Congleton game with a deadleg.
But places are up for grabs warned Marginson, adding: "I think some players feel they are established first-team players now, but I told them that they have to play every game as if it is their last, because one day it will be."