Regent Get Pre-Season Off And Running

Brightlingsea Regent traveled to Border League double Winners and Thurlow Nunn new boys Little Oakley for their first run out of the season.

Little Oakley started the stronger of the two teams and took the lead with just a couple of minutes on the clock. A defensive error let Oakley in on goal and with the initial shot by former R Jordan Heath saved by young Regent keeper Harry Palmer, the rebound was followed in by Harry Mann and found the net via the bottom of the post. 1-0

Oakley continued to work hard and pressed Regent well, but the visitors were able to level after around 20 minutes via the penalty spot. Regent came forward and with a through ball towards the run of George Doyle who had made his way into the box, an Oakley defender brought him to the ground before he could get his shot away. Tom Richardson stepped up and made no mistake. 1-1

The R's took the lead just before the end of the first half, having won a free kick right of the Oakley penalty area. Charlie Lindoe centred with a eloquent chip, meeting the head of skipper Matt Cripps who gave the goalkeeper no chance. 1-2

The break saw mass changes to the Regent team as they dictated most of the play in the second half whilst Oakley tired. Rob Harvey added a third in the last few minutes of the match when he found some space on the edge of the box, unleashing a low effort on goal which sneaked past the Oakley keeper and into the bottom of the net. 1-3

Overall a good work out for the Regent team with plenty of players getting minutes. Little Oakley worked hard and made it difficult throughout, we wish them the best of luck as they prepare for there Thurlow Nunn debut.

Whilst Regent host Chelmsford City of the National League South this coming Tuesday, this is sure to be a tough test for the R's players.

1st Half Team: Harry Palmer, Ricky Griggs, Alex Taylor, Matt Cripps (c), Josh Gould, Charlie Lindoe, George Doyle, Connor Hogan, Billy Hunt, Tom Richardson

2nd Half Team: Nick Punter, Connor Hogan, Jake Gould, Pip Boyland (c), Tyler Smith, Rob Harvey, Harry McDonald, Rocha Fosker, George Doyle, Aaron Condon, Tom Richardson

Subs: Harry Doyle For Tom Richardson (63 Mins) & Kieran Radford For George Doyle (69 Mins)

Goals: Tom Richardson (Pen 18 Mins), Matt Cripps (42 Mins) & Rob Harvey (88 Mins)