Earls Colne were beaten 3-1 by Kent Blaxill Essex and Suffolk Border League leaders Rowhedge, despite a fine all-round team performance.

Having dominated the first half, Steve Coote had the ball in the net – only for the effort to be disallowed for a foul.

Then the experienced striker hit the bar with a long-range chip.

Coote finally made the breakthrough for Colne after half-time when he raced onto Mel Nice’s flick-on from Pudney’s kick and drilled past the keeper.

But Rowhedge equalised and then took the lead from the dangerous Page.

Colne then had a penalty appeal for handball turned down.

And to add insult to injury, Rowhedge raced down the other end soon after to score again and secure a flattering two-goal lead.

Despite the final scoreline, Robbie Mitchell and Craig Lesiak put in good first appearances of the season in an impressive display by an under-strength Colne side.

Earls Colne travel to play Bentley on Saturday, in the premier division.