Canfer stunners turn game for Regent

Brightlingsea Regent travelled to Gt Wakering Rovers for their last away game of the season and the Ultras were in full force for the last away trip and the silly hat day at Wakering made for a good atmosphere as both teams looked to finish their season well. Webster made changes to the team defeated last week and gave a first senior start to Jake Phillips, Charlie Durling another under 18 player also came into the starting line up to show the future of the R's, Warren Joseph club skipper also returned to the starting line up. Regent started the game poorly where as the home side made a blistering start dealing with the conditions much better. A strong wind made it hard going especially in the early stages and the home side pinned the R's back. The home side took a deserved lead on 3 minutes when a cross was delivered into the box under little pressure and a header was glanced into the bottom corner to make it 1-0. The home side continued to dominate and another ball into the box was headed just wide fortunately for Regent. The home side were then awarded a free kick with the delivery bashing against the bar as Regent continued to look out of sorts. Thankfully after a terrible first 15-20 minutes Regent started to gradually settle and Matt Cripps strode forward before playing a one, two but his shot was comfortably handled by the keeper. Phil Kelly was then brought down with the defender booked which seemed a little harsh in the context of the game to that point. The free kick was well delivered by Ricky Griggs but the home side defended it well to clear to safety. The home side then missed a good chance to increase their lead when the number 10 found room in the box but dragged his shot wide when he should have done better. Just before the half time whistle the home side missed another good chance when the ball was worked out just to the right side of the penalty spot but again the shot was dragged wide. HT 1-0
As the half started the home side made two changes and once again the home side started better and a bending effort in the first minute was just wide of the top corner. Webster had seen enough and changed the shape of the side and this helped Regent get more grip in midfield which in turn helped the R's. Jake Gordon seeing his half volley over the bar after a set back from Phil Kelly. On 60 minutes Regent got an equaliser with a stunning strike, Ollie Canfer hitting a pearler from 25 yards to find the top corner and make it 1-1. Just two minutes later Ollie Canfer tried to beat his previous goal of the season contender with another stunner, this time slightly further out and his half volley this time looped over the keeper to make it 1-2. The home side clearly stunned looked to respond and a corner was headed down but Andrew Plummer was quick to punch the ball to safety. Webster made his first change on 69 minutes with Amir Berkane replacing Jake Gordon. Regent were now very much in the ascendancy and Ricky Griggs drove forward before jinking past a defender, his shot was deflected wide for a corner. Ben Newson shortly after was brought down on the edge of the box but the free kick was fired over by Jake Turner. Jordan Heath replaced Warren Joseph on 72 minutes. Phil Kelly then saw his shot deflected wide as Regent continued to threaten a third goal. On 81 minutes the R's did make it 1-3, Phil Kelly driving forward before the defender made the tackle but he dwelt on his clearance and Phil Kelly won the ball back before being brought down by the same defender. Ben Newson stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way for 1-3. Webster made his final change with Jake Gould replacing Ollie Canfer as the game finished 1-3. FT 1-3
A good response from Regent after last week and especially after the first half. Once again the team showed great character and the two young players more than played their part in a good second half for the R's with Jake Phillips running Durling close to man of the match with an assured debut. The win moves Regent up to 7th and on 79 points with just one game to go against 5th placed Thurrock.