Gary Lockyer found the target from the penalty spot to level just before the hour - but it wasn't the start Dan Scorer had planned as the hosts went on to secure a 2-1 victory.

The score line was Ton's first competitive defeat since a 2-1 reverse at Snodland Town on March 2 last season - a run of nine games - as they couldn't quite find the level of earlier pre-season performances, with two untimely errors both resulting in goals.

Elmstead looked lively going forward with a direct approach which used the physicality and pace of Ashley Bertrand-Kensington and Marcus Cassius, while the defence was well marshalled by Jordan Anderson who snuffed out much of Ton's aerial threat.

It could have been very different in the first half, as the visitors started brightly with both Craig Calvert and Jordan Tomsett testing goalkeeper, Alex Hyde, before marksman Lockyer hit the bar with a curling left foot effort from Sam Conlon's assist - all prior to the quarter hour.

Elmstead's best effort came from a curling shot from the left, which Tomsett headed away from the back post, with Tom Barnes beaten.

Shortly after, the goalkeeper would make a smart diving stop from point blank to maintain the deadlock, after a scramble inside the box.

Ton didn't get out the blocks as the second half began, losing possession in midfield which created an opening for CASSIUS to drill home inside the penalty area.

Fifteen minutes later the scores were all-square - a hand ball inside the box gave LOCKYER the opportunity to send Hyde the wrong way and carry-on his impressive pre-season form.

However, Elmstead would get their noses in front once again on 65 minutes, when Tomsett slipped and was dispossessed, allowing the ball to be crossed from the right to on-rushing substitute Perrie ROSE, who had time to find the bottom corner.

Ton pressed to level for a second time, with Craig Calvert fizzing a volley just wide from a Gary Lockyer knock-down, while Harry Stow's low delivery into the danger area found substitutes Dale Horton and George Latham looking to get an elusive final touch, but the effort agonisingly looped over the bar.

Tommy Penfold also hit a rasping right-footed effort deep into injury time which Hyde turned over the bar, but it wasn't to be their day.

Lewisham Borough are up next for Ton - visiting Homelands on August 10 (3pm k.o), in the London side's first SCEFL game of the season.

TON: Barnes, Stow, Tomsett, Phillips, Penfold, Clarke (c), Brown, Calvert, Lockyer, Conlon, Owen. Subs: Hughes, Negus, Latham (for Conlon "75), Horton (for Owen "60), Philpott (for Calvert "90+3).

Main Article Photo: Harry Stow on the ball against FC Elmstead.