An eventful second half saw Brightlingsea Regent denied any return from their Bostik League premier division trip to Margate.
It had looked promising for Tom Rothery's team at half-time as they held a slender advantage thanks to Billy Hunt's 16th minute strike.
However, the visitors soon saw that 1-0 lead wiped out after the break as Ben Swift levelled with a 50th minute equaliser for Margate.
The hosts then took the lead four minutes later when Frannie Collins added a second, but Aaron Condon was on target again for Regent just after the hour mark to restore parity once again.
However, it went wrong for Brightlingsea in the closing stages as first Jay May put Margate back in front and former Braintree Town player Jordan Chiedozie wrapped things up in the 84th minute with a goal to seal a 4-2 win for the Kent side.
In division north, MALDON & TIPTREE took Essex derby honours as they beat Grays Athletic 2-0 at Park Drive.
The Jammers' goals came early as Ryan Clampin put them ahead on 19 minutes and Josh Pollard doubled the lead on 23 minutes.
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