Brightlingsea Regent welcomed league leaders Needham Market to North Road for their latest league game and a good crowd of 282 saw a close encounter which Regent won with an Amir Berkane goal in the 66th minute proving to be the difference between the sides. The win takes Regent up to 7th in the table and seven points outside the play off places.
Webster made two changes to the team that was defeated last week and one of these changes saw George Clarke make his first start against his former club whilst Jake Holman also returned to the starting line up.
Regent nearly made a dream start with less than 5 minutes on the clock when a driving run from Phil Kelly saw his find space for a shot from 18 yards which the keeper did well to fingertip away from the far post at the expense of a corner. The away side chose a more direct approach to their play and were looking to break quickly against the home side. A fairly even first half with chances limited but Needham's number 9 Sam Newson, Ben's twin brother created a chance when he pinned the Regent defender before turning but just as he was about to shoot, Matt Cripps did superbly to block his effort. Andrew Plummer on loan from Needham made an unbelievable save on 30 minutes, a corner was met by the Needham number 6 but a reflex save with a strong hand saw Plums divert it over the bar. Just moments later though a weak effort from Newson for Needham nearly bobbled past Andrew Plummer but fortunately he was able to gather at the second opportunity. Ricky Griggs worked an opening after a good run but his shot was easily gathered by the away keeper who was also dominating all aerial threat from the R's, claiming most set pieces well. The away side appealed for a penalty after a run from the number 7 who looked to be clipped outside the box but chose to go down after a less clear touch inside the area which the Referee waved away. George Clarke who had carried a threat with some positive runs for the R's did well out wide to cut a ball back for Jordan Heath but he fired over. HT 0-0
The second half carried a similar patten and both sides were restricted to few chances with both defences on top. Webster was forced into a change on 51 minutes when Jake Turner replaced Ollie Canfer who was struggling with illness. Regent nearly took the lead after a Ricky Griggs free kick, he changed the angle of the kick and his cross was into a great area but the long legs of Jake Holman were unable to get a telling touch at the back post. The away side themselves then created arguably their best chance from a set piece but Westlake couldn't find the target from 8 yards. Straight from this Regent took the lead, Ricky Griggs passing to Ben Newson who found Phil Kelly in space on the right, his shot was saved by the keeper but Amir Berkane was first to the follow up and despite his first and second effort being blocked he was able to force over the line for 1-0. Webster made his second change moments after with Jake Gordon replacing Phil Kelly. The away side worked the ball out wide and a good cross from them was agonisingly close to the incoming player at the back post but fortunately for Regent they were able to clear. Shortly after another penalty appeal for the away side but a theatrical dive was rightly turner down but straight from that Regent themselves had an appeal with Ben Newson finding Jake Gordon who's touch took him past the last defender who looked to have slightly pulled back the substitute but again the Referee waved away both teams appeals. Webster made his final change with Warren Joseph replacing George Clarke. As the away side looked for an equaliser they put lots of balls into the Regent box but the R's defended well and were able to protect Andrew Plummer's goal. Michael Brothers had the last telling effort that really threatened the goal when he cut inside from the left but his curling effort from the edge of the area was just wide of the far post. FT 1-0
A good win for Regent against a very strong experienced Needham Market side. An absorbing game was decided by just one goal which looked like it may be the case all afternoon.