Rampant Regent bounce back

The picture shows the players celebrating the fourth goal scored by Jake Turner.
Picture courtesy of DB Sports

Brightlingsea Regent welcomed Witham Town to North Road for their latest league game last night looking to bounce back from defeat on Saturday and only the second defeat in the last seventeen. The two sides had met in the FA Cup with Witham grabbing the local bragging rights knocking Regent out 3-2 in a replay at North Road after a 1-1 draw at Spa Road.
Regent won this game with a blistering second half display after a scrappy first half running out 4-0 winners with all the goals coming in the second half to move up to 6th in the table.
The opening 20 minutes of the first half saw Witham Town bombard the Regent area with long throws and direct balls at every opportunity with a strong wind in their favour. Regent manfully defended these with some vital blocks and clearances and one block stopping a goal bound effort before another shot from a throw knocked down was dragged wide. Regent gradually settled into the game by beginning to win second balls higher up the pitch and from their own set piece went close when a Ricky Griggs corner was missed by the keeper but also missed by Josh Gould who it looked like might head into an unguarded net. Jake Turner was booked after fouling the Witham Town player as both players went for the loose ball from a clearance after a Regent corner. Shamido Pedulu then went closest for either side when he collected a pass from Jake Clowsley before striding towards the keeper, a heavy touch allowed the keeper to advance and thwart Shamy who went down with the ball running out for a goal kick. Jake Clowsley had a shot deflected after another good move as the half finished with Regent having better control. HT 0-0
The second half started in blistering fashion for Regent. A raking cross field ball from Matt Cripps found Russell Malton, his cross was perfectly judged to Phil Kelly who controlled before striking a sweet drive into the far corner for 1-0 on 46 minutes. Regent were very much in the ascendancy now and were moving the ball really well although the second goal was very direct. The centre half for the visitors Akins, cut out a Regent attack before striding forward and seeing his pass met by the winger for the visitors who had his shot blocked. Sam Cowler collected the ball and struck his kick first time towards the Witham goal, Russell Malton causing panic between the remaining centre half and keeper beating them to the ball and lifting over the advancing keeper with a clever finish to make it 2-0 on 57 minutes. Regent were now in control and went close just a minute later when Jake Clowsley was denied by a smart save at the keepers near post. On 60 minutes the R's did add to their lead, Shamido Pedulu racing forward beyond the full back and his driving cross wasn't handled by the keeper who spilled the cross and Jake Clowsley was first to react and tapped home the loose ball from less than six yards to make it 3-0. To further demonstrate the confidence of Regent, Ricky Griggs tried his luck from 30 yards with his effort going wide of the far post. Regent made it 4-0 on 70 minutes, Phil Kelly fouled after driving forward through the midfield with the Referee awarding a free kick 30 yards from goal, Phil Kellly booked for his reaction to the foul. Jake Turner hitting the free kick off the underside of the crossbar before it bounced over the line and into the net for another stunner for Turner. Webster made two changes with Jake Phillips replacing Jake Turner on 73 minutes before Jake Gould replaced Phil Kelly a minute later. The visitors went close to a consolation when a strike from 15 yards clipped the foot of the post before going out for a goal kick. Jake Gould was booked for a late tackle as tempers threatened to boil over again but no further goals or incidents bar an audacious attempt from Warren Joseph clearing the bar and nearly the netting as Regent collected all three points. FT 4-0
A superb response from Regent who after a tight, scrappy first half produced a superb display to win this local derby and keep themselves in the play off mix.