Regent win on final day to finish 6th

Brightlingsea Regent welcomed Thurrock for their last game of their debut season at step 4. The team have really grown into the season and after collecting just 13 points in their first 12 games the following 34 games saw them with a further 70 points after a 3-1 win against Thurrock who despite the defeat will go into the play offs in good form. The win meant Regent finished 6th in the table just one place outside the play offs and two points short.
To the game and Webster was without Ollie Canfer and Warren Joseph but did welcome George Clarke back into the squad after injury. Regent started the game reasonably well but without creating too much of any note and it was the away side who grew into the half and created a chance on 15 minutes, the number 11 screwing his shot just wide. The away side with their direct play and clever forwards carried a threat and after a good run by the number 9 again the number 11 was found but this time his shot was comfortably saved. Phil Kelly and Jake Gordon combined well with the looping shot from Jake Gordon just saved by the keeper. After 26 minutes though the keeper was unable to stop the header from Matt Cripps that nestled in the far corner for 1-0, cue a rehearsed celebration most definitely aimed at me. The goal boosted Regent and they finished the half well working much harder to restrict space and moving the ball well through midfield. HT 1-0
The away side started well looking to find an equaliser and forced an early corner that Regent cleared well. On 52 minutes they were handed an absolute gift of a goal when the number 11 fell forward after controlling the ball and with Matt Cripps near by the Referee decided to award a penalty. No accusation of a dive he simply fell and no appeals but despite this the number 4 gladly accepted the gift and sent Andrew Plummer the wrong way to make it 1-1. Regent reacted well and continued to do the right things and after good hustle from Ben Newson and Phil Kelly on 61 minutes gained the lead again. The defenders rushed clearance deflecting off Ben Newson with Jake Gordon collecting the ball and driving forward before passing past the keeper into the corner for 2-1. The away side made two changes as it looked they were now considering their play off game and Regent also made a change with TJ Amass replacing George Clarke. Regent added a third goal to make it 3-1 when Andrew Plummer collected a cross before throwing out to Jake Gould, his pass was perfectly met by the run of Jake Gordon who finished with a classy deft finish beyond the advancing keeper and into the far corner. No real further action as Regent collected the points. FT 3-1
A game that summed up the Regent season. A tough game against a good side, the lads battled hard, stuck in when under pressure and came out the other side with all the answers to win the game.
Finishing 6th really is a massive achievement when looking at the teams below the R's it has been a huge rise from the Border league just four years ago to be competing in the league is a huge achievement let alone finishing on 82 points in such a competitive and tough league against so many very good teams. Well done to all and have a good summer!
#uptheR's