Lee Newman's 85th minute goal settled a thrilling encounter at the Dripping Pan as Lewes edged trough their FA Cup first qualifying round replay.
Newman had earlier given the Rooks the lead on the half hour after Marc Cable had hooked Dwain Clarke's corner back across goal but the visitors equalised eight minutes later through Barry Larkin.
The young striker would have had a hat-trick had he not missed a 66th minute penalty and with just 15 minutes to go Tonbridge had a spot kick of their own.
However, Lewes keeper Dominique Jean-Zepherin saved brilliantly from Hamid Barr and then came the pulsating finale, which ended with Steven King's men booking a trip to Lowestoft Town in the next round.
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