Regent continue impressive away form

Brightlingsea Regent travelled to Aveley for the official start of the second half of the season looking to bounce back after last weeks first defeat in two months. Aveley had beaten Regent at North Road in the third game of the season winning 2-0 and doing a job on the R's really showing the team how to manage a game as they secured the points. As a further point to prove Regent's development as the season goes on the R's produced a superb team performance securing three points and scoring some spectacular goals in the first half before closing the game out in the second and gaining a very good away win.
Regent started the game well and looked sharp all over the pitch as they looked to out work the home side in the early stages. A rather unsavoury incident after 10 minutes, no pun intended seemed to push Regent on and just moments later they took the lead with a stunning finish. Ricky Griggs defending a direct run before driving into space and playing a lovely lofted pass into the run of Ben Newson, he watched the ball over his shoulder before volleying into the far corner for a sublime finish and making it 0-1 after 11 minutes. The home side looked for a response and after 15 minutes had a goal ruled out, a good cross from the right back was met by the Aveley number 9 but his push was seen by the Referee who ruled out the goal. The R's were looking very dangerous when going forward and nearly increased their lead when Phil Kelly collected the ball from a fast break by Russell Malton, from the edge of the area he turned and shot but the keeper made a superb fingertip save to deny Regent a second. More good pressure from Regent as the keeper had to come off his line to deny another attack but his clearance was straight to Ben Newson, his first time shot from 35 yards was easily saved by the returning keeper. The home side looked threatening with their long throws and some good set piece deliveries but largely Regent defended well but a fierce strike was bravely blocked by Amir Berkane. After 31 minutes it was 0-2, Josh Gould sliding a superb pass into the run of Phil Kelly who cut across the defender, he looked to have thwarted Phil in the area but Phil gained the ball again before sliding past the keeper into the bottom corner. The home side used their best outlet with the number 7 and he played a great cross into the Regent box but a superb diving header at the back post denied the home side a possible goal back. Regent should have made it 0-3 on 39 minutes, Phil Kelly again beating the home defence with his power and pace but the Referee rather generously gave a foul for the Aveley skipper who had clearly slipped and the resulting finish by Phil was ruled out. Not to be denied Regent did make it 0-3 on 42 minutes with another stunning finish, Phil Kelly flicking the pass into the path of Ollie Canfer who hit the ball on the bounce and it swerved and fizzed into the far bottom corner from a good 25 yards to complete a superb half for the R's. HT 0-3
The home side made three changes at the break as they looked to make a positive response and they certainly showed more urgency, a good run and cross from the left was well defended by Matt Cripps. Despite their raised urgency Regent still looked very threatening and Ollie Canfer was denied a second when after a pass from Ben Newson, the keeper did well to smother his shot from 6 yards. Regent were holding their shape well and looking dangerous still on the break and after 68 minutes the home side were reduced to 10 men, Jordan Heath collecting the ball on the halfway line before turning and driving into space, the home number 10 tried to get back at him but dragged Jordan down, the Referee sending him off which looked a tad harsh but it must be said I thought the Referee had a very good game but I didn't see this incident the same way. The home side continued to try and pass a way through Regent but the R's look strong as their goals conceded demonstrates and again it was Regent who looked the most likely to add a goal. Webster made all his three changes in the space of three minutes as he added freshness and solidity and Ollie Canfer had another great chance after a superb third man run saw him released free, the keeper came to narrow the angle, his shot from the edge of the area was wide of the far upright. FT 0-3
A really good response and three very good points against a good home side.