Regent defeated at Soham

Picture shows Phil Kelly denied by the keeper after two minutes.
Picture courtesy of DB Sports.

Brightlingsea Regent travelled to Soham Town Rangers for their 30th league game of the season. The build up could certainly have gone better with the team arriving late to the ground. Regent lost only their second league game since mid October with a weak display on a tough pitch but the home side albeit with a couple of beneficial decision deservedly gained three points against the R's with two goals in the first half despite a late Phil Kelly goal which proved to be merely a consolation.
Brightlingsea Regent started the game well and had the better of the opening 15-20 minutes. A driving run from Shamido Pedulu inside the opening two minutes saw him find Phil Kelly but from 6 yards the keeper was out quickly to smother the shot. Russell Malton was next to work the keeper when he was quickest to a Jake Clowsley pass but once again from a tight angle the keeper smothered at his near post. On 15 minutes Russell Malton and Phil Kelly combined to find Shamido Pedulu but running into the area unopposed his shot was wild and over the bar. Another good move then saw Phil Kelly's cross into the area but the well timed run and shot from Luke Read was magnificently deflected to deny Regent. After a good start Regent were then sloppy in possession and began to be caught trying to play out in tight areas with the ball catching on the sticky pitch and allowing the home side to press the R's higher. The forward for Soham collecting the ball from one of these occasions but his shot was comfortably saved by Sam Cowler. Regent then had an appeal for a penalty when a shot saw the defender block the effort before handling but the Referee waved away strong appeals. Ricky Griggs was replaced on 30 minutes unable to continue with Warren Joseph on to replace him. On 33 minutes and with their momentum building the home side took the lead albeit with a degree of fortune. A clear handball in front of the away dugout was allowed to go and Regent also didn't help themselves by switching off and a simple pass was collected by the Soham striker who strode forward before slotting past Sam Cowler to make it 1-0. Sam Cowler and Jake Gould both booked as their frustrations threatened to boil over. Just two minutes later and poor defending from Regent saw them diving in and the 11 for Soham took full advantage to weave to the left of the area before guiding his shot into the far corner for 2-0. Warren Joseph shortly after receiving a blow on the nose and needing prolonged treatment before he was able to return as the home side just fired over as they looked to almost finish the game off. HT 2-0
Regent started the half well with Shamido Pedulu breaking forward but his cross was comfortably cleared by the home side. Despite a good start only a shot from Phil Kelly wide of the near post was all the R's could get as they looked for a goal back. The home side as the half grew began to create chances and a shot was comfortably saved by Sam Cowler. A free kick then saw the towering defender head towards the far top corner but a superb claw away from Sam Cowler denied the home side. Regent then blocked a shot from the edge of the area as the home side threatened to add to their lead. Luke Read went close for the R's collecting a cross but lifting his shot over the advancing keeper and bar. On 77 minutes Regent were reduced to 10 men, Jake Gould late with a tackle and receiving a second yellow card. Webster made his second change with new signing Wale Adedeji replacing Shamido Pedulu. Despite going down to 10 men Regent nearly got a goal back but for some miraculous defending. A corner from Jake Turner was met by Matt Cripps but his header was blocked before the returning shot was superbly blocked on the line with loud appeals for handball. On 88 minutes Phil Kelly did make it 2-1, collecting a pass before rounding the keeper who advanced outside his area to fire home from a tight angle. Just a minute later Regent had the perfect chance falling to Russell Malton but once again with the keeper well advanced from his goal his chipped effort was agonisingly short and collected by the keeper. With Regent pushing for an equaliser the home side should have added to their lead but a golden chance was spurned with a weak shot from 8 yards wide of the post. Regent pushed for an equaliser but despite forcing set pieces were unable to force any clear openings. FT 2-1
The home side did the basics well and ultimately this won them the game. The Ryman North is such a tough league and without doing those basics well you don't give yourself the opportunity to win games. Yesterday's results across the league again prove what a tough and competitive league it is.