Regent win derby

Picture shows Jake Turner being congratulated for his winning goal yesterday.
Picture courtesy of DB Sports.

Brightlingsea Regent played their final game of 2015 at North Road yesterday as they welcomed Heybridge Swifts in their latest league game. There was a minutes applause before the game for Rita Loates who sadly passed away just before Christmas. Rita was a regular over the past decade or more at the club where she carried out several roles but was mainly known for being our tea lady and was a real local legend carrying out several roles within the local community all as a volunteer. The applause was impeccably done by the crowd of 275 along with all players and staff from both sides.
A typical derby game with both sides working hard to restrict any time or space for either side. With very few chances in the game it was Regent who came out on top scoring a penalty whilst Heybridge missed there's and the R's edging the play also with slightly more intent throughout.
The away side sat deep and tried to absorb the R's looking to play on the break in the first half. Regent created the first opening after a positive run from Jake Clowsley finding Phil Kelly, he moved inside the area but his shot was straight at the keeper who saved comfortably. Swifts showed some threat on the break and a good run from Duyile saw his cutback into the area but ballooned over the bar by Godbold. Another good break this time from Cole saw him break from inside his own half with the pass then to Scarlet seeing his bending shot tipped around the post by Ollie Bowles. Regent earned two free kicks on the right side just outside the area with the away side dealing with the first but Terry Rymer could have done better when the second was only cleared to him but from the edge of the area he skied his half volley over the bar. The R's took the lead on 27 minutes, the returning Amir Berkane winning the ball before passing to Matt Cripps, his pass found Phil Kelly who drove into the box before being brought down for a stonewall penalty. Jake Turner stepped up to make it 1-0 sending the keeper the wrong way. Regent nearly increased their lead just a minute later, Jake Clowsey bearing the defender before flashing his shot across the face of the goal. The away side looked for an equaliser and a good run again from Cole saw him pass to Guy who was upended at the edge of the area. Ollie Bowles saving the resulting free kick which he made look comfortable despite it seemingly heading for the top corner from Cole. HT 1-0
Again the half was pretty even with possession largely shared but the away side weren't as intent to sit deep it seemed as they looked for an equaliser. There were limited chances again though, a good run and cross from Russell Malton found Terry Rymer at the back post but he dragged his volley wide of the post. Terry Rymer then had another good chance midway through the half as he met a cross from Phil Kelly after good play from Luke Read and Phil. Webster made his first change with Lamell Howell replacing Terry Rymer on 68 minutes. Possibly their best chance of the half saw the set piece played in and met by Godbold but his header was plucked by Ollie Bowles as it veered towards the far corner. In a game with few chances Heybridge blew a great opportunity on 81 minutes and a fortunate penalty it seemed from my angle. Russell Malton fouling the Swifts player as he motored down the left side towards the area. The Referee adjudging the foul happened inside the area when it seemed like it was outside but possibly the momentum took him in the area. Anyway the penalty was awarded and to Regent's relief Guy dragged his shot wide of the post. The away sides task got harder still when their skipper was sent off just 2 minutes later, an earlier heavy foul on Phil Kelly followed by a mistimed tackle on Ricky Griggs saw him sent off. Webster made his final two changes with firstly Warren Joseph replacing Jake Clowsley on 86 minutes before Josh Mayhew replaced Phil Kelly on 88 minutes. Neither side were able to create anything of note as the game finished with a home win. FT 1-0
The win moves Regent up to 9th in the table after back to back clean sheets and wins.