R's end winning streak

Brightlingsea Regent welcomed Chatham Town to North Road for their latest league game. A frustrating afternoon for the R's in the end who suffered their first league defeat since mid October after a lacklustre opening 30 minutes. Despite having opportunities after this time a goal after 28 minutes and a very dubious goal on 79 minutes proved to be enough for Chatham Town.
Webster made three changes to the starting line up and the opening exchanges were scrappy on a rather worn looking North Road pitch. After a very flat opening 28 minutes Regent got what they'd brought on when the away side scored from their first chance, to be fair Chatham had shown more endeavour and therefore deserved to take the lead despite neither side creating anything clear cut. A lifted pass found the striker who lobbed the advanced Ryan Befingfield to make it 0-1. Regent finally sparked into life and Russell Malton had a shooting chance but his snap shot from the edge of the area was well wide. Jake Gould was always looking to be an outlet out wide for the R's and his run forward saw the ball worked again to Russell Malton but the away keeper did just enough to push the ball onto the post and clear to safety. HT 0-1
Regent looked livelier in the second half and good work from Ollie Canfer saw his cross just evade Sean Bartlett at the back post as the R's looked for a way back. The away side carried a slight threat on the break and an offside flag stopped a potentially dangerous break. A powerful run and cross from Ben Newson produced the best opening for Regent but Amir Berkane saw his free header over the bar from 6 yards. Webster made his first change with Jordan Heath replacing Sean Bartlett. Jordan has the perfect chance to make an impact when the away keeper could only palm a Ben Newson shot into his path but the away defender was able to unbalance Jordan enough to see his shot somehow hit the post from a yard or two. The R's were then dealt a killer blow on 79 minutes, a breakaway resulting in the second goal when a pass was deflected into the away player who looked at least 5 yards offside where he gleefully collected and fired past Ryan Befingfield to make it 0-2. Here is where I'd normally get on my soap box about the officials but I no longer see the point, arrogant, poor, inconsistent decision making officials appears to be the norm and furthermore acceptable to all within the FA. Russell Malton looked to be the best chance for Regent to have any hope of getting back in the game with his direct running but despite huffing and puffing the R's ultimately paid for a tepid opening 30 minutes. FT 0-2