Regent Knocked Out Of Senior Cup!

After the weekend's rollercoaster of a game against Phoenix Sports which saw the R's fantastic unbeaten run come to an end in a seven goal thriller Webster's men came into this game looking to find a consistency of performance over ninety minutes against a Billericay team that would surely be on a high following the news of a potential big money take over at their club and the opportunities that could bring. The teams had met earlier in the season at North Road during an FA Cup tie which saw Billericay progress and left Brightlingsea with a bitter taste in the mouth following a blatant hand ball by the visitors eventual winning goal scorer in their penalty area which was ignored by the officials.

James Webster again made changes to previous line up and these saw Daniel Beeson regain his place in goal with Ollie Bowles returning to Concord Rangers. Russell Malton had recovered from his weekend sickness and started at right back and Josh Gould once again partnered skipper Matt Cripps in the centre of defence. Ricky Griggs slotted in at left back with Jake Gould still injured. Young Harry McDonald replaced Connor Witherspoon in midfield due to the latter being ill. Tom Richardson started his first game up front after recovering from a shoulder injury. Aaron Condon would start this game on the bench with Robbie Rees and Phil Kelly looking to pose a threat to the visitors back four.

And as the thick fog began to lift at North Road it was Brightlingsea that made the more positive start. A good tempo and some slick passing and movement saw the home side threaten the visitors box time and again. When Billericay did manage to clear their lines the hard working Regent midfield soon recovered possession and the R’s were attacking again.Just such an attack saw Phil Kelly pick up on the ball just outside the Billericay area he cut inside onto his left foot and fired a shot towards the far corner,with the keeper beaten it was left to a recovering defender to block and send the ball out for a corner. As the ball was swung in it was met at the near post by a Regent head. The Billericay keeper falling back into his net managed to claw the ball away before it crossed the line and the visitors scrambled it clear. Brightlingsea were rampant creating plenty of opportunities and half chances. Billericay playing on the break and being restricted to few chances of their own.It was during one of these breakaways that Billericay got the chance to take the lead when Dan Beeson pulled down the Blues Striker in the Regent box on 38 minutes. The subsequent penalty sent high over the Regent bar much to he relief of he home fans who would have felt very hard done by given their teams positive first half performance. As the half came to an end James Webster and his team could be satisfied with an all round good performance but would no doubt feel a little disappointed that all the hard work and chances. hadn’t resulted in a goal.
Half Time 0-0.

It would be the home side that would rue not taking one of their first half opportunities as on fifty minutes BIllericay took the lead. As the ball is played into the Regent area it isn't dealt with and the resulting goal mouth scramble sees the ball cleared only to the edge of the box where Bakare smashes it home. 1-0 Billericay.

Brightlingsea still play with belief that they can create more chances and time again their attacks cause problems for the visitors defence with the Blues keeper being kept busy. As Billericay are again restricted to playing on the break a speculative effort from goalscorer Bakare is deflected and loops over Dan Beeson into the R’s net for his and the visitors second. A cruel cruel blow and one which on balance of play is not deserved. Regent carry on taking the game to Billericay in what is proving to be a solid performance despite the scoreline. The home side continue to create chances of their own the best of which sees a Josh Gould Header from a Jake Turner free kick loop over the keeper and just over the bar.

The visitors hold out and secure their place in the next round. Brightlingsea will take the many positives from this game confident that it they can produce performances like this they will continue to challenge at the top end of the table.
Full Time Brightlingsea 0 Bilericay 2

Report by Gavin Aplin