Worthing's hopes of a sixth successive victory were snuffed out by Whyteleafe in a goalless draw in division one south at Woodside Road.
Whyteleafe provided tough and uncompromising opponents for Rebels on a heavy pitch and although Barry Lloyd's team finished each half strongly they could not break through.
French striker Florian Mateos came close to snatching it for Worthing right at the death when, from a deep Gary Young cross, he had a header cleared off the line.
Mateos provided his side with an early opportunity when he headed a Mark Knee centre across the face of the goal, but no one was there to apply the finishing touch.
Whyteleafe keeper Michael Lidbury thwarted Knee and also made saves from Wesley Lopez and Ben Carrington before denying Lopez again just after the interval.
Worthing, unbeaten at home for a month, were indebted to keeper Matthew May on the hour when he saved well from Mark Hynes.
Carrington was at the centre of Rebels' late push and Steve Sargent went close as Whyteleafe's strong defence held firm.
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