Eighth met ninth in the SCEFL Premier Division at Oakley Road on Tuesday night as Holmesdale entertained Tunbridge Wells and the visitors came out on top with an early goal in either half from Trevor McCreadie.
The game got off to an open start at a frantic pace, with half chances at either end, but it was Wells who took an early lead in the ninth minute when they were awarded a penalty.
Billy Lewins went down in the area and McCreadie coolly side footed the spot kick home for 0-1.
McCreadie went close again soon after when intercepting a back pass, but Javarn Patterson made a good save in the home goal.
Dale then had a good spell of pressure, but Tunbridge Wells held out and also had a good chance on break when Reagan Corke set up McCreadie, but Corey Holder made a great saving tackle in the area.
Late in the half there were a few heavily challenges as tempers began to fray, but no further scoring.
The second half started with the visitors on top and they extended their lead on 47 minutes when Dan Tear broke down the right and crossed for McCreadie to finish from close range and make it 0-2.
Wells then continued to press, Corke having a shot saved by Patterson low down at his near post.
In the final fifteen minutes Holmesdale pressed to get back in the game, Dave Martin had a free kick headed away and the visitors went down to the men when Ed Sata was sent off for a foul on Theo McKenzie as he broke down the right.
In injury time Dan Pepple crossed for Tony Mwoke who headed wide in a crowded area, before Dale were also reduced to ten men when Tola Odedoyin was sent off for a foul on McCreadie as he tried to go past him in midfield.
The final action of the eight added on minutes saw Martin force an save from Luke Glover as Tunbridge Wells saw out their two goal victory.
Dale: Patterson, T McKenzie Morrison, Mwoke, McAvey, Holder, Williams, Bayford Pepple, Church, Jimoh.
Subs: W Odedoyin, T Odedoyin, Martin, Rollings, A McKenzie.
Wells: Glover, Tear, Walder, Sata, Smith, White, Corke, Leppard, McCreadie, Lewins, Ward.
Subs: Akinlusi, Wolvey, Alaka, Kamara, Wootton.
Goals: McCreadie 8 & 47mins.
Att: 46
HT 0-1 FT 0-2