Regent rue missed chances.

Brightlingsea Regent welcomed Redbridge to North Road for the third game of the new season. Both teams had started the season with a win and a draw. Webster was still without the same players through injury with Luke Read also unavailable through family commitments but did welcome back Josh Mayhew. He was dealt a further blow when Lamell Howell pulled up in the warm up and was unable to start.
The game started fairly even with both sides feeling each other out. The away side had the first chance of the game with a direct ball which Andrew Plummer raced out to collect but the number 10 for Redbridge appeared to knock over him but he had handled with a free kick awarded. The number 10 shortly after seeing his free header over the bar from a corner. Regent scored after 14 minutes with a well worked goal, Brendon Heath showing great feet in the midfield before slotting a pass into Josh Mayhew, he raced onto the pass and slotted past the keeper to make it 1-0. Regent began to create opportunities now with some good passing football. Luke Milbourne was first denied when the away keeper came out to smother his shot. Great play down the right then saw Josh Mayhew out muscle the defender before cutting the ball back but the keeper again denied Regent by saving the shot from Jake Gordon from 8 yards. The best outlet for the away side was the number 11 who's direct running saw him cross into the Regent box but it was comfortably cleared. Jake Gordon again going close with a half volley after a clever spin from the throw but this time his shot was into the side netting. Josh Mayhew after clever movement from the corner saw him have a free header but he failed to find the target. Regent had created so many good chances to increase their lead and again were guilty of not taking them when Ricky Griggs found Jake Gordon but everybody expected the offside flag and stopped with the goal gaping and when the R's did realise it hadn't the pass through to Josh Mayhew who did tap home did see the flag raised. HT 1-0
The away side had a better start to the half but soon enough it was again Regent who created chances with Josh Mayhew denied by the keeper who once again was quick to smother the shot and deny Regent. Moments later he again did well parrying a free kick from Jake Turner with Redbridge able to clear the ball. After 62 minutes Regent were made to pay for their many missed opportunities, a long throw taken from at least 15 yards further up the pitch than it should have been was flicked on in the box and Regent were unable to clear as the away played slotted him into the far corner for 1-1. The sucker punch was further increased when just a minute later inexcusably Regent conceded again, the 11 driving through midfield before playing into the 7 who's shot was saved by Andrew Plummer but again the away side kept the ball alive and were able to force home for 1-2. Webster made his first change with Keiron Baker replacing Luke Milbourne and Kieron was quickly into action seeing his bending effort from 20 yards well turned around the post by the keeper. Redbridge added further salt to the wound with the 10 holding the ball up before turning and firing past Andrew Plummer to make it 1-3 on 77 minutes. Webster made his final two changes with Scott Yearling and Jordan Barnett replacing Josh Mayhew and Brendon Heath. In injury time a good header from Josh Gould pinged against the post from a Ricky Griggs cross to rather sum up the day for Regent. FT 1-3
A tough one to take for Regent who were made to pay heavily for missing chances to put the game beyond the resilient away side who took full advantage and left with all three points.