Farnborough 3 Truro City 2
Cash-strapped Truro's hopes of a lucrative FA Trophy run were ended at the first hurdle as they were beaten by their Bklue Square Bet South league rivals in Hampshire.
But the biggest talking point after the game was likely to be the debut of former Plymouth Argyle keeper Luke McCormick in place of the injured regular No1 Tim Sandercombe.
The 29-year-old McCormick was jailed for seven years and four months in 2008 for killing two young brothers in a car crash, while drink driving.
McCormick, who played 138 times for Argyle, was released from prison earlier this year and had a trial at Swindon but they decided not to sign him.
He was beaten after 22 minutes by Elvis Hammond, but Andy Watkins levelled with a spectacular effort 30-yard effort just before half time.
The home side went 2-1 up just after the hour through Dan Bennett when Truro failed to clear a corner.
For much of the second half there was a problem with the floodlights, with the lights all down one side of the pitch not working.
However, despite's Truro continuing protests the referee allowed the game to continue and ten minutes from time, Farnborough went 3-1 up from the penalty spot through on-loan Aldershot Town striker Reece Connolly after Jake Ash had brought him down.
Although Ash pulled a goal back right on time, City were unable to grab an equaliser and with it a replay, as their chance of much needed £4,000 in prize money disappeared.
After the game manager Lee Hodges said they would be protesting to the FA about the referee's decision to continue with the game with half the lights out of action.
"All we are asking is that it is fair for both sides and it wasn't," he said.
"I am desperately disappointed we did not get anything from the game."
He did not want to comment on McCormick signing, but said the keeper, who was playing for nothing on a non contract basis, had played very well.