Regent edge Oakley

Brightlingsea Regent began their pre-season with a narrow 3-2 victory over Essex Senior League new boys Little Oakley.

The R’s started the game very bright creating the better of the chances, the left wing Trialist went close on two occasions with long range efforts which couldn’t test the host keeper.

Khris Oti looked lively and made life uncomfortable for the Oakley defenders, with some very physical battles, he looked like he was enjoying himself, but was unable to convert from 5 yards which forced an excellent save!

Regent did take the lead after a foul, 25 yards out on the left hand side, resulted in a quick free kick by Zack Smith-Walter to get Trialist (A) to cross at the by line for Bennett to nod home inside the 6 yard box. 0-1

Jordan Barnett was dictating the game well and his through ball saw Crisell beat the offside trap to narrowly strike wide past the on rushing keeper!

On the half hour mark, the hosts levelled. A great breakaway down the Regent left saw a low cross centred for Danny Garrad to stab home for the hosts! 1-1!

Oakley should have found themselves in front at the break only to be denied by a terrific low save by Turner to turn onto the post. HT 1-1

Regent changed the entire 11 at half time, Max Booth down the right began to show his talents as he caused problems in behind the Oakley defence but failed to hit the target on this occasion.

Regent were ahead once again on the hour, a superb switch ball from Harry McDonald picked out Booth to cross first time with Trialist (D) on hand to slot home his first of a brace! 1-2

The R’s extended the lead with 15 minutes to play, with Kane Gilbert teeing up Trialist (D) to drop his shoulder and curl his left footed strike beautifully into the top corner! 1-3

A minute later, Oakley pulled one back, a ball over the defence saw Greg Roger pounce and round the Trialist keeper to slot into an empty net! 2-3

Brightlingsea couldn’t extend the lead in the dying minutes, Booth and Durling both shot over from distance as the game came to a close! FT 2-3

A good work out for Regent, the first of 9 fixtures. The R’s move on to Long Melford on Friday evening.

1st half team: Turner, Smith-Walter, Trialist (A), Heron, Bennett (c), Barnett, Crisell, Bastone, Trialist (B), Byrne-Hewitt, Oti

2nd half team: Trialist (C), Fraser-Robinson, Mahon, Ribchester (c), Thompson, Durling, McDonald, Gilbert, Booth, Trialist (D), Trialist (E)