TUNBRIDGE WELLS had to battle for a draw in their first game back in South League Premier Division One at Tonbridge School.
The home side made a tentative start after their promotion at the end of last season.
While they enjoyed plenty of possession on home turf, they rarely found a way into the final third of the pitch.
The London side were looking dangerous on the break and Wells had to resort to last-ditch tackles to keep them out.
The visitors did eventually break the deadlock from their first short corner.
The ball was twice parried by Wells but not cleared and an opposing forward pounced to open the scoring.
Wells started to look more threatening going forward, particularly through Sam George and Harry Roberts.
The former went on a mazy run to the byline and fired in from a tight angle to equalise.
The goal should have settled Wells but Wayfarers scored twice in rapid succession, reacting quickly to their openings.
More good work from Roberts saw Wells win a penalty stroke which Ben Allberry converted and the hosts went in 3-2 down at half-time.
Wells played much better in the second half, matching their opponents in midfield.
But an error coming out of defence handed the visitors a simple chance which they duly converted to restore their two-goal advantage.
The home side finally started to run the game and they earned a succession of short corners.
Roberts scored from one, and then a worked move involving Allberry and Russell Self gave Chris Smith the chance to slot home at the far post to make it 4-4.
Tunbridge Wells face another stern test when they travel to Old Cranleighans on Saturday [October 6, 1pm start].
