Regent lose out in crucial game.

Picture shows Luke Read in action yesterday for the final time this season.
Picture courtesy of DB Sports.

Brightlingsea Regent faced another crucial game against Cray Wanderers with just three points separating the two sides before the game and Cray level with 5th placed Cheshunt who held the last play off place. The two sides met just six weeks previously with Regent winning 3-2 after coming from 2 behind. During the game Uche Ibemere suffered a broken leg sadly and yesterday a collection for Uche raised £156.87, a cheque will be sent to Uche via his club. Thanks to everybody who contributed and good luck to Uche with his recovery.

Webster was without Ricky Griggs who was still injured along with Shamido Pedulu and Lamell Howell, Jake Turner was also unavailable due to personal commitments. Webster did however have Josh Gould back after suspension and handed a first start to Charlie Durling, he also selected Luke Read who after a superb season for Regent now goes travelling and misses the remainder of the season.

Onto the game and Cray grabbed an important three points which with Cheshunt losing moved them into the final play off place and now six points above Regent. A tight game with both sides struggling to create real clear chances was decided with a second half penalty proving to be the winner.
Both sides started reasonably well but Regent probably shaded the first 30 minutes just with Cray looking to move the ball from the back but showing their best threat at set pieces early on which Regent defended well. It wasn't until 20 minutes in that the home side created their best chance, a cross from Terry Rymer was met by Phil Kelly but the keeper Blue smothered well and Phil was ruled offside anyhow. Luke Read was also denied what looked a promising position when he was clearly bundled over when looking to break onto a pass at the edge of the area but the Referee or assistant failed to see or award a foul. Phil Kelly went close again from another cross this time from Russell Malton but his strike was over the bar. Russell Malton then did well to latch onto a through ball but as he strode forward he was brought down by Basey, the Referee deeming it a yellow card offence as it looked like Russell was moving through towards goal but I'm assuming just 10 yards into the half the official deciding it was too far out for Basey to be deemed the last man. Phil Kelly again proving to be the best threat for Regent but his header from Jake Clowsley was off target. The away side then began to look more threatening with a positive run brought to an end right on the edge of the Regent area after good combination play. The resulting kick from Basey was well tipped round the post low to his right by Sam Cowler. The away side then missed a great opportunity when from a corner a Jake Clowsley clearance fell straight to the Cray player but from 8 yards he blazed high over the bar. Cray made a change after 35 minutes with Hunt replacing Dent and the extra forward did begin to see them create more and added more threat. On 45 minutes the away side took the lead that their play was beginning to threaten. A corner was bundled home by the skipper Dawson to make it 0-1. Regent reacted quickly however and in injury time forced an equaliser. Josh Gould bundled to the ground by Leader at a Regent corner, Terry Rymer sending the keeper the wrong way to make it 1-1. HT 1-1
Again the second half was a tight affair although the away side carried the better threat and Regent were fortunate on a couple of occasions with Matt Cripps making superbly timed last ditch tackles to stop the away side creating a clear chance. Shots from distance for both sides failed to trouble either keeper and with both sides struggling to create clear chances it was a penalty that proved to be decisive. Josh Gould received an accidental elbow which bloodied his nose and with Josh off the pitch the away side took full advantage. A clearance by Regent from a cross cannoned back into the path of the Cray player, Regent appealing for offside but this wasn't given and Matt Cripps bundled over the player with the Referee awarding a penalty. Regent were dealt a further blow with Matt Cripps sent off and Basey stepping up to slot home the penalty past Sam Cowler to make it 1-2 on 73 minutes. Webster made changes with Kieron Baker replacing Jake Clowsley and a minute later Kieran Ayling replaced Charlie Durling. Russell Malton hit a sweet strike wide of the far post and the away side went close with a Leader header over the bar. Regent huffed and puffed to find an equaliser but failed to create anything of note as they suffered a defeat. FT 1-2
A disappointing defeat for Regent in a tight game with both sides working hard but struggling to create clear chances it was the away side who edged it and moved six points above Regent in the last play off place with nine games remaining. Another huge test next Saturday as the tough games keep coming with an away trip to Harlow Town.