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.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here