Five star Regent

Brightlingsea Regent welcomed Thamesmead Town to North Road for their 14th league game of the season. Thamesmead had been relegated back into the Ryman North this season after securing promotion the season before and were sitting in 8th position before the game,10 points ahead of 18th placed Regent. Webster had been busy in the week and had secured the loan signing of goalkeeper Andrew Plummer from Needham Market and forward Michael Brothers from Leiston, thanks to Dave Rees (Leiston) and Mark Easlea,Mark Morsley (Needham Market) for helping finalise these signings. Webster hoping the experience and ability of both players would help Regent and both players came into the starting line up and had impressive debuts with Brothers collecting a goal and man of the match and Andrew looking very calm and composed in all he did.
The rain was steady throughout the game and added a nice zip to the pitch which Regent used from the beginning as they played some good passing football and looked dangerous in the opening exchanges with the Thamesmead defence just managing to block a pass through. After 5 minutes they had no answer though as good link up play through midfield saw Phil Kelly collect the ball and his pass was met by a well timed run from Ben Newson who slid the ball past the keeper for 1-0. Michael Brothers was a great point for the R's and he forced the keeper into a full length save from the left hand side of the area after 15 minutes. The away side were settling and were working hard to get back in the game and their set piece delivery was very good, a header from one of these was headed downwards but comfortably tipped over by Andrew Plummer. The home side had a threat down both wings but Jake Gould and Ricky Griggs were defending well when called upon and Regent still just edged the possession and looked threatening going forward. The R's increased their lead after 38 minutes, Michael Brothers collecting the ball and driving forward before being closed down, Amir Berkane picking up the loose ball before being fouled, Jake Turner took the resulting free kick and smashed his 25 yard effort against the post and it rolled across the line before nestling in the opposite corner for 2-0. The away side looked for a reaction before half time and again delivered some good set pieces but Regent defended well. The Thamesmead number 9 made a powerful run forward getting to the byeline but Regent were able to block the shot and clear to safety. HT 2-0
The away side looked for a fast start to the half and pushed men forward but Regent were able to exploit the spaces and nearly increased their lead, more good attacking play with Phil Kelly and Michael Brothers combining before Russell Malton slid a pass into Ben Newson who strode forward but was denied by a smothering save from the keeper. Another good move through midfield but this time the cross from Michael Brothers was met by Jake Turner who came onto the ball on the edge of the area but skewed his effort wide. The away side with their set piece delivery still carried a threat and were first to a knock down but a ferocious strike from a tight angle was fortunately for Regent straight into a Thamesmead midriff rather painfully! Regent added a third which their play had threatened after 76 minutes, good build up through the middle and out to Phil Kelly who's cross was met by Michael Brothers, his shot was blocked but he dragged the ball away from the sprawling defender and fired past the keeper for 3-0. He's celebration already moving him to cult status with the Ultra' s and I'm led to believe he owes Dave a pint!! Phil Kelly made it 4-0 just two minutes later, Jake Gould who had a solid game defensively against a good winger bursting forward and finding Phil who swept the ball past the keeper from 6 yards. Webster made all three changes after 81 minutes and on 85 minutes two of these combined with Charlie Durling beating his defender and unselfishly rolling the ball across to Sean Bartlett who beat the keeper and made it 5-0. FT 5-0
A good three points for Regent who move up to 16th place in the table.