Regent pick up another 3 points

Regent welcomed Long Melford to North Road and with Jules taking over the reins at Melford we knew it would be a tough game judging by their results. The League were present along with the League sponsors Thurlow Nunn and Essex FA representative Mick Hempstead. After a busy week in which the club have made several ground improvements to make the grading needed for promotion it was great to have them given the all clear. Special mention to our main sponsor Carl Barnard who has been instrumental in getting this work done and has done a brilliant job so thanks very much. There have also been several other people who have helped, Darren Hatch, Dave Girling, Joe, Mannus Webster to name but a few so thanks to everyone who helped in this and well done to Terry for getting this all organised, I know it's been a big job for him. Before the game Terry received a cheque for Webster and the lads winning the Thurlow Nunn League award for the best team in December and January and our £100 charity cheque went to the Essex FA benevolent fund. To the game and Webster had a full squad to choose from apart from Ryan Salter and Tevez. We started the game well and in the first 25-30 minutes created several chances. Sam Mansfield on his return to the club pulled off superb saves throughout to deny Regent. A Terry Rymer shot after 5 minutes was tipped around the post and then after 12 minutes he did well to palm over a Scott Page header. Regent were playing well and after good build up play Jamie Clark and Sam Holman both had shots that were inches wide. With Regent struggling to find a way through the away side grew in confidence and we aided this by losing a little shape. Dan Beeson came out to clear but his clearance was collected by the number 10 who's shot was heading for the goal but easily dealt with by Jake Holman. Despite having a much better end to the half the away side were unable to work Dan Beeson. HT 0-0
We started the 2nd half better and again were creating chances, Kevin Hughes shooting from 12 yards but once again Sam Mansfield saved well. After 53 minutes he could do nothing though to stop Regent taking the lead and Kevin Hughes this time beating him with a powerful header from a Ricky Griggs corner. After 60 minutes Regent increased their lead when Jake Holman found Terry Rymer, he latched onto the ball before firing an unstoppable drive from 18 yards to make it 2-0. Webster and I celebrated with a high 5 but little jealous Warren started crying when are you going to high 5 me. Ricky Griggs shortly after from a similar angle saw his shot superbly finger tipped round the post by Sam. Melford continued to work hard and were rewarded after 82 minutes, Jake Gould fouling in the corner. From the resultant free kick the number 7 cheekily back heeled into the goal to make it 2-1. In injury time Phil Kelly made the game safe when he collected a Jamie Clark pass before beating the defender and beating Sam to make it 3-1. FT 3-1
A good result against a much improved Long Melford who made it tough throughout and had an exceptional performance from Sam Mansfield in their goal. After the game a few went out into town and I got into a Wray & Nephew battle with Grids who was disappointing, a comfortable 4-1 to me which didn't feel so great 20 minutes after.
#struggling