Regent held at home

Picture shows Phil Kelly celebrating his 15th minute goal, picture courtesy of DB Sports.

Brightlingsea Regent welcomed second placed AFC Hornchurch to North Road for their first home game in four weeks and their first game in 11 days. Webster welcomed new signing Shamy Pedulu into the squad and gave him a start on his debut.
Another wind affected game that was hard for both teams, the away side earned a point with ah injury time equaliser just when it looked as though Regent had manfully earned all three but I felt a fair result on reflection.
The away side started the game well and their two in form strikers showed in the early stages why they were both at the top of the scoring charts but it was Regent who forced the goalkeeper into the first action. Good play through midfield saw Luke Read arrive in the box but his effort was well tipped away from the bottom corner for the games first corner. Another flowing move saw the keeper again save well from close range to deny Regent but after 15 minutes he was beaten. A direct kick from Ollie Bowles wasn't defended and Phil Kelly read the bounce and strode into the area before sweeping his left foot shot beyond the keeper for 1-0. The away side looked for a response and the 10, Purcell had a stinging effort from the edge of the area blocked with the away side appealing for a penalty which was waved away by the Referee. A great run and cross from Phil Kelly saw the ball fired across the six yard area but no Regent player had anticipated for an easy tap in. Regent then had their own penalty appeal when a scorching strike was cleared from the line with arms raised but once again the Referee waved the appeals away. Just before the interval the 9, Knight was found in the area after a bursting run from the right side but his shot was dragged wide. HT 1-0
Regent started the half well and despite now playing against a strong wind pushed the away side back in the opening stages, Phil Kelly just wide after positive attacking from the R's. On 51 minutes Regent had the perfect chance to add to their lead and good start. Shamy Pedulu doing extremely well to win the ball before driving past the defender and into the away half, he rounded the keeper but just as everyone expected the net to bulge his shot was fired wide of the post. On the hour mark Ollie Bowles produced a stunning save to deny Purcell. The away side were awarded a free kick despite it looking as though Russell Malton had been fouled first, the rasping strike from Purcell was superbly saved full length by Bowles. Webster made two changes with Terry Rymer replacing Josh Mayhew and Jake Clowsley replacing Shamy Pedulu on 65 minutes. The away side pushed men forward and after a corner saw them head towards goal but Warren Joseph comfortably chested off the line before clearing. Purcell then saw his cross fizz across the 6 yard box before Regent scrambled clear. Webster made his final change on 74 minutes with Lamell Howell replacing Russell Malton. The away side continued to push men forward and with the wind still strong booming balls into dangerous areas but it appeared that Regent were dealing with all that the away side gave but in injury time finally they did succumb. A wicked corner which was literally under the far stantion was bundled home in the 91st minute to make it 1-1. Terry Rymer then went close with his effort from 10 yards agonisingly blocked and the deflection fell safely to be cleared. FT 1-1
A fair result in tough conditions with a very late goal unfortunately denying Regent from making it five straight wins but did however continue their form which with games in hand sees them well placed.