Regent beaten at Needham

Brightlingsea Regent travelled to Needham Market for their latest league game looking to back up the draw against top of the league Harlow they now faced 2nd placed Needham. However a 4-1 defeat for the R's who played well against good home side, clinical finishing and mistakes proved costly to the R's.
Webster made one change to the starting line up with Warren Joseph replacing the injured Luke Milbourne which meant a slight shuffle and Scott Yearling returned on the bench for the first time after his end of season knee operation.
Both teams started well and were playing some good football on a zippy pitch helped by the evening dew. Needham created the first chance from a corner but the home defender could only send his glancing header wide. Regent had settled the better and direct running from Phil Kelly and Ben Newson saw both of them play crosses into the box that were comfortably defended by the home side. After 15 minutes another run from Ben Newson saw him brought down in the box by the home keeper but in the Ref's opinion it was a coming together despite Ben being in possession of the ball and the Ref awarding a goal kick to further prove a point. After 18 minutes the good start by Regent was undone, Luke Avenell making the decision to rush out and clear a through pass and his clearance was skewed off his foot for a corner. The resulting corner was contested but the Needham number 9 was quickest to react and fired home from 5 yards for 1-0. Another through ball moments after saw Luke's clearance go straight to a Needham player who's returned shot was fortunately for Regent off the foot of the post and into the hands of Luke Avenell. The home keeper denied Regent with an outstanding save after 30 minutes, Ricky Griggs playing a ball into the area which was set back for Russell Malton who's stinging shot was excellently palmed away from the bottom corner. Amir Berkane made a bursting run into the home box after more good interplay from Regent but again the home defence did well to deny. After 38 minutes Needham increased their lead, a long throw was easily allowed into the number 9 who's 20 yard half volley was fired into the bottom near post for 2-0. Regent were fortunate to not concede another before the break when the post saved them again from a very harsh score line. HT 2-0
Regent came out in the second half looking to add substance to their performance with goals but the home side were in better control and Regent found it harder to find the same spaces. The home side added to their lead after 66 minutes, Regent dwelt on the clearance and the home side won the ball before playing into the home player who fired past Luke to make it 3-0. Webster made two changes in quick succession with Scott Yearling and Charlie Durling replacing Ricky Griggs and Ben Newson which meant a slight change in shape. After 76 minutes Regent got a deserved goal after a corner played in was heading goal wards, a shot from Regent with the Needham number 7 handling on the line to deny the goal, a penalty for the R's and a red card for the 7, skipper Josh Gould sending the keeper the wrong way to make it 3-1. Regent looked to push on and pressurise the home team but they kept their shape well and countered on Regent and after 85 minutes put the game beyond any doubt, a slide rule pass from the edge of the area found the Needham player who finished from 8 yards for 4-1. FT 4-1
A good game and another lesson for Regent who played well against a good home side who were clinical on the night. Perspective for the R's who continue to evolve and develop in their first season at Ryman League level, great backing from the Ultra's again!
#uptheR's