diff --git a/rpc/server_test.go b/rpc/server_test.go
index c692a071cf..e67893710d 100644
--- a/rpc/server_test.go
+++ b/rpc/server_test.go
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@ func TestServerShortLivedConn(t *testing.T) {
 		if err != nil {
 			t.Fatal("can't dial:", err)
 		}
-		defer conn.Close()
+
 		conn.SetDeadline(deadline)
 		// Write the request, then half-close the connection so the server stops reading.
 		conn.Write([]byte(request))
@@ -142,6 +142,8 @@ func TestServerShortLivedConn(t *testing.T) {
 		// Now try to get the response.
 		buf := make([]byte, 2000)
 		n, err := conn.Read(buf)
+		conn.Close()
+
 		if err != nil {
 			t.Fatal("read error:", err)
 		}