Francis has now scored 21 league goals this season
King's Lynn produced a rather nervy second-half performance against Brackley Town at The Walks.
Having taken the lead in the first half thanks to two Joe Francis goals, Lynn could not get going after the break and made life difficult for themselves.
Despite conceding from a free-kick, Keith Webb's side hung on for three valuable points to go second in the Southern Premier.
They can now focus on their final home game of the season against Bashley.
In the Ridgeons Premier Division, Wroxham's title hopes stuttered again as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Wisbech.
That is five points dropped in the last three games for the Yachtsmen now, meaning championship rivals Soham Town Rangers and Needham Market are going to be difficult to catch.
There was not too much to cheer in the Ridgeons First Division either for promotion-chasers Diss Town and Gorleston.
Diss suffered a shock 4-1 home defeat at the hands of basement-side Long Melford while the Greens went down 3-0 at Saffron Walden Town.
Recent results for both sides will be a big concern and hopes have certainly been dealt a big blow.
Join Nick Bowler and Bill Punton for 'Local Report' on BBC Radio Norfolk and online at bbc.co.uk/norfolk for the latest news and views from Norfolk's non-league scene each Friday at 1830 BST.
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