Boxing Day win for the R's

Brightlingsea Regent travelled to AFC Sudbury for their Boxing Day fixture and were well backed by the travelling Ultra's who gave vocal support throughout and saw their team close to within two points of the play-offs and their hosts who had started five points ahead of the R's after a 88th minute winner from Ollie Canfer proved the difference between the two sides.
Webster kept faith with the side that had recorded wins in their previous two games and Regent started the game well creating some early chances with Jordan Heath and Phil Kelly linking well but Phil shooting wide after good play. Despite starting the brighter it was the hosts who nearly took the lead, a ball into the Regent area was played into the Sudbury number 9, his shot looked to be heading for the bottom corner but Matt Cripps made a superb goaline clearance. More quick attacking play saw a scramble in the box but the R's were unable to work a clear opportunity. The home side then had a big shout for a penalty when the ball was flicked towards Josh Gould in the area but the Referee waved the appeals away and gave just a corner. Both sides were looking dangerous when they went forward and Ben Newson saw his shot high over the bar before the home side then went close when a deflected shot was inches away from the far post. After 24 minutes former Regent striker Terry Rymer was played through but Andrew Plummer saved well down low to deny him. On the half hour mark Regent worked the home keeper twice with Russell Malton nearly deceiving him with a cross shot before moments later he did well to save low from Phil Kelly. Despite a bright opening half to the half by Regent the home side were having more control in the game now and they themselves went close when a cross from the left hit the Regent crossbar. Late on in the half Andrew Plummer saved well after a great strike from a full 35 yards was heading for the top corner. HT 0-0
Regent started the second half brighter again and Phil Kelly saw his early header saved comfortably. A hurried clearance from the Sudbury keeper was collected by Ben Newson but his snap shot was wide from 30 yards. Just before the hour mark another header, this time from Matt Cripps was again comfortably saved. Andrew Plummer again denied Terry Rymer this time a little more comfortably before the home side created pressure in the Regent area but the R's were defending manfully to deny the home side any clear openings. On 65 minutes Webster made his first change and a slight change in shape as the R's looked for more control in the game and he nearly got an immediate response but for the home keeper who did well to deny Ollie Canfer at his near post smothering his shot from 6 yards. Terry Rymer then saw his left footed shot sail over the bar after a quick break but it was the away side who were beginning to look the more likely. The home keeper again doing superbly to deny Amir Berkane from 6 yards, when he controlled before shooting low bottom right but once again the home keeper saved well. Both sides made further changes and as it looked to be heading for a draw the R's struck a wonderful winner. A free kick played into the home area was flicked by Josh Gould, Ollie Canfer quickest to the ball and his half volley was fired into the top corner from 15 yards to make it 0-1 on 88 minutes. The home side tried to push for an equaliser but it was Regent who created the best chance but Ben Newson deciding to run in the corner before being fouled. FT 0-1
A hard fought battling performance from Regent who made it another good month for the R's with just one defeat in December seeing them up to 10th in the league. A wonderful backing for the Regent players in a bumper Boxing Day crowd with the Ultra's in fine voice and it sounded like a new cow bell for Christmas!