Regent win away

Picture attached of Lamell Howell celebrating his goal on 58 minutes with Phil Kelly. To view all pictures of the game please visit dbsportsphotos.com
Pictures courtesy of Dave Buckingham

Brightlingsea Regent travelled to Thurrock FC for the second time this season when they played tenants Romford FC. The hosts sat 16th in the table one place above Regent and two points ahead although the R's did have a game in hand. Webster had the same squad available from the victory last Saturday with the additions of Russell Malton returning and a sub goalkeeper in under 21's keeper Robbie Lee. Regent controlled the game in large spells and a goal in each half saw them collect three points and move up to 16th in the table.
Regent started the game well and a lively Phil Kelly was causing the home side problems with his power and pace. A good pass found Phil who ran at the defender before cutting in but his shot was well blocked by the defender. Regent took a deserved lead on 10 minutes with Phil Kelly again doing well to collect the ball and beat the defender before cutting the ball back where from 10 yards at a slight angle, Jake Turner controlled his shot which rose into the top far stantion for 0-1. The home side found it hard to create much of note but midway through the half had their best opportunity when a piece of skill saw the home player lift the ball over Ricky Griggs before his volley was just wide of the far post. They were then awarded a free kick moments later when Josh Gould received a cut but was adjudged to have fouled, Josh receiving lengthy treatment to stop the bleed but Regent defended the free kick well. The home side enjoyed a good spell but still found it hard to penetrate the organised Regent team. Ricky Griggs also needing treatment after a heavy fall and the stoppages seemed to be affecting the fluidity of Regent. The R's did begin to settle again and a flowing move down the left saw Phil Kelly and Jake Gould combine with the cross from Jake met by Luke Read, timing his run well he opened his foot up too much though and his half volley was wide with just the keeper to beat. Another good move down the left saw another great ball into the box but nobody had made the run as the ball flashed across the box. HT 0-1
The home side came out better at the start of the half and a good run and cross was just cleared by the Regent defence. Phil Kelly had a shot but was wide after a good run. The home side were then denied an equaliser with a good save by Andrew Plummer, the deep cross from the left was met by the striker at the back post but Plummer made himself big and blocked the shot with his chest to deny the home side. On 58 minutes Regent made it 0-2, Phil Kelly and Keiron Baker combining before finding Brendon Heath who's pass found Lamell Howell on the edge of the home area, the defender looked like he'd blocked his progress but good strength from Lamell saw him bound through into the area and his controlled side foot sent the keeper the wrong way to add the second goal. Webster made his first change on 65 minutes with Jake Gordon replacing Phil Kelly. Jake was lively and straight into the play with a smart turn before shooting high over the bar moments after coming on. The home side looking for a way back into the game were finding it hard to create too much and a cross into the box saw Josh Gould block the shot well to deny a chance. Webster made his second change with George Clarke replacing Jake Turner on 71 minutes and on 77 minutes made his final change with Josh Mayhew replacing Lamell Howell. A superb driving run from George Clarke after breaking up play saw him stride into the final third but he delayed his pass to Jake Gordon who would have been through on goal on the edge of the area but the defender made a good tackle to halt his progress. A good move between Luke Read and Ricky Griggs saw Josh Mayhew collect the ball on the edge of the area but his shot was well blocked by the home defenders. The home side had a corner just before full time but the defender could only head wide under pressure. FT 0-2
A good win and performance by the R's who collected the three points and moved up one place in the table to 16th.