Regent decked by the Dockers

Brightlingsea Regent were at Tilbury FC for their first game of the 2014-15 season and their first at Ryman League level. It looked a tough game on paper with Tilbury having a strong home record in the previous season and on the day so it proved with Regent falling to a narrow defeat which on chances created or general play was a little unlucky.
Webster was without new signing Russell Malton and also had Phil Kelly and TJ Amass unavailable but did hand starting debuts to Luke Avenell in goal and Matt Cripps and Ben Newson with Jack Sibbons starting on the bench.
The home side started the game well and Regent were behind after 3 minutes when they gave away a needless free- kick, the Tilbury number 11 saw his header make it 1-0 from six yards. The home side had the better of the early exchanges but Regent did settle and after 12 minutes had a great chance to equalise. Terry Rymer found himself through on goal from a direct pass but with the keeper off his line his chip was straight into the keepers hands. The home side then found the number 7 in space out wide in the box but his shot was drilled over. Regent were now passing well and Matt Cripps saw his shot blocked after good play down the right hand side. Terry Rymer then combined well but his shot this time was dragged just wide of the far post when through on goal again. Shortly after more good play found Ricky Griggs who jinked past three defenders before unleashing a great strike into the far top corner to make it 1-1 after 20 minutes. Regent were in the ascendancy and more combination play found Ben Newson whose cross was met by Sean Bartlett but his shot whilst falling was just diverted by the keepers legs. Regent forced 5 or 6 corners in the first half and Matt Cripps went close but his header was just over the bar. After 38 minutes Josh Gould sustained an injury and after lengthy treatment was able to return but the home side took advantage of this and pushed Regent back but were unable to work Luke in the Regent goal. HT 1-1
Webster was forced into a change at the interval with Charlie Thompson replacing Josh Gould who had sustained a nasty cut to his toe. Tilbury also made a change with the number 9 replaced as they looked to get more of a grip in the game and they had the best of the opening half of the second period with a stronger wind and a more direct approach. Despite having the better of the play and a few corners they were unable to force any clear chances and a header just wide of the far post was possibly their best opportunity. As it looked like Regent had seen out the better spell for the home side they were then behind. The number 11 again scoring after 67 minutes to make it 2-1, a cross into the box was met by the number 11 but Jake Gould stopped him getting a full connection but as he fell his arm struck the ball and squirmed past Luke in the R's goal, despite protests by Regent the goal stood. Webster made his final two changes with Rob Thorne replacing Sean Bartlett and Jack Sibbons replacing Jake Holman as they searched for an equaliser. Ben Newson was thwarted by the home keeper when played through by a direct pass and they collided but the rebound fell to Terry Rymer but his lobbed effort was wide. A deep first time cross from Jake Gould found Ben Newson but his volley from 8 yards was high over the bar. The home side were playing largely on the break now but were largely controlled well although skipper Warren Joseph was booked after a deliberate foul on the striker as he was driving into a dangerous area. After 86 minutes Regent had what proved to be their final chance when Ben Newson and Ricky Griggs combined but Ricky was denied by the advancing keeper who smothered his effort. The home side saw the final stages out to record an opening day win. FT 2-1
A good performance all round by Regent who will rue missed chances which on another day could and maybe should have seen them win this game or certainly not lose it. No time to dwell as Regent welcome Soham Town Rangers to North Road on Tuesday.
#uptheR's