Regent through on penalties

Match Report supplied by Essex FA.
Brightlingsea Regent can claim North Essex bragging rights as they defeated near neighbours Stanway Rovers in a penalty shootout at The Hawthorns.

Having played out a competitive goalless draw after 90 minutes, Brightlingsea were ruthless from the spot, scoring all five of their kicks to earn a Fourth Round tie away to Romford. Substitute Adam Kendirci was the unfortunate man whose miss cost Rovers at the death.

As neither side looked to give anything away, the first half was slow to come to life. Of the limited chances which were created, the best went to way of the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League Premier Division hosts.

Karl Fondop-Talun fired a shot into the side netting after some fine control inside the penalty area before the Brightlingsea defence had to desperately clear off the goal line amongst a sea of Stanway bodies. Then, on the stroke of half time, came the best opening so far as Jordan Palmer’s stooping header brought a fine save from Regent goalkeeper Ryan Bedingfield.

The second period was quicker to spark into life and the first real opportunity for the Ryman North visitors saw Ricky Griggs curl a 20-yard effort inches over the top. A fine save from Bedingfield then kept the teams on terms as he tipped Palmer’s flicked header on the crossbar following a Craig Hughes dead ball before Jake Clowsley saw his 20-yard shot bobble just wide of the far upright for the hosts.

Further chances went the way of Stanway as another Hughes set piece found its way out to Clowsley, who bent a curling shot just off-target. Then the home side briefly thought they’d won it three minutes from time as Bedingield parried Fondop-Talun’s low drive but, as Palmer reacted quickly to fire home the loose ball, a flag was raised due to the frontman straying just offside.

However, three minutes into added time, it was Brightlingsea who almost snatched the tie on the break, with Phil Kelly angling into the side netting after a strong run. It proved to be the incentive Regent needed to clinch the shootout, with Griggs confidently slotting home the winning kick to seal a place in the last 16.

Read more at https://www.essexfa.com/news/2014/oct/stanway-rovers-0-0-brightlingsea-regent#taZr3kq7QEqjITkH.99