Regent turn corner

Match report copied from Marches website.....

Despite taking the lead, March put on a disappointing display to lose 2-1 to Brightlingsea.

Well it is hard to find the words to describe what this was all about. We were keen to see the guys continue the return to good form, but were left very disappointed.
There were changes again in the line-up. Luke Pepper was out, having been ill all week. Marc Welcher took over as captain, and our 2 loan signings, Lewis Moat in goal, and Ryan Birtles on the wing, both made debuts.
It has to be said that our opponents stole the show, and deserved the victory. From the start they showed a spirit of grit and determination that we could not match. At times the Essex men played the long ball in a safety- first fashion, but as the game wore on they showed some fine football skills, particularly from star man Phil Kelly and fellow striker Terry Rymer.

I think it fair to say that we found it difficult against a strong and physical side who played well all over, and we could not match their desire to win every ball and stop us from settling to play a passing game. We had no bite, lacked appetite and ideas, and had little answer to their tricks and movement.

Sure we had a good few chances, spurned time and time again, and strangely we had little creativity to see ourselves out of the mire. Our defence was resolute, the 2 goals early in the second half unfortunate, but had been coming, as our opponents took a firm grip on proceedings. If it had not been for the great performances of Buster and Lenny at the back, and a number of fine saves from young Lewis, the margin of the loss would have been greater.

The guys up front seemed isolated, and this was largely due to a lack of presence in midfield, as we struggled to get a foothold in the game. We had a good spell mid-way through the 1st half, and took the lead when after 3 corners in quick succession, CHRIS LENTON strongly headed home from Gav’s delivery. But you always had the feeling that we would not get another. We had another good spell in the last 15 minutes, but could not find the composure to get the goal. Not even from the penalty-spot when Ash blasted it wide. You kind of got that sinking feeling as you watched the away side call the shots. Again, too many were out of sorts.
Chris Lenton was given the MOM award, but it could have easily been Buster, as he raced about stopping the slick guys up front. Lewis Moat did well overall with some good saves, but Ryan Birtles was quiet, showing a few skills from time to time, but suffered from a lack of service from the aforementioned midfield. Adam Rothery played with an injury and had to retire at half-time, but the lads who came on did well and we had a slightly better 2nd period. It is easy to criticise, but an unsettled and young squad will have days like this, but hopefully not many. We need to move on to the next game and show what we are made of.