BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at Tonbridge Angels, in the Bostik League premier division on Saturday.
Josh Gould was sent off for the visitors, after being shown a second yellow card.
Elsewhere, division north neighbours WITHAM TOWN, MALDON AND TIPTREE and HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS were all in FA Cup action.
Witham won their preliminary round tie at Canvey Island 2-0.
Maldon were too strong for Waltham Abbey, scoring twice in each half to win 4-1 at Park Drive.
Their goal-scorers were Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe (two), Chris Millar and Kieran Bailey.
Heybridge will need a replay after drawing 1-1 at Haverhill Rovers, of the Thurlow Nunn League.
Sam Bantick put them in front, but the hosts equalised in the second half.
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