EARLY RYMER GOAL CLINCHES POINTS FOR REGENT

Pictured: Terry Rymer celebrates his goal. Photo by DB Sports Photos

After an early header from Harlow's Sonko cleared the bar, Brightlingsea struck at the other end as a Josh Gould header in the box found Rymer, the initial effort was saved by David Hughes but Regent bundled the ball home in off the crossbar as Terry Rymer maintained pole position to react to Harlow's efforts to keep the ball out.

Jared Small and Alex Read both went close for Harlow as the hosts looked to strike back but in a frantic move, it was Sam Cowler in the Regent goal who produced a fine double save at his near post to preserve the lead.

Harlow did have the ball in the back of the net but Read was left frustrated as he looked across to see the flag raised for offside.

Rymer saw a free kick from 25 yards clear the bar whilst a break on the right by Clowsley who beat Sonko to free up space to shoot saw his shot saved by Hughes.

Alex Read brought out another save from Cowler as the half drew to a close, Read found room to sneak a shot round defender Cripps, Cowler made the save to his left but there was still work to do as Cowler had to turn and and chase back towards his goal-line and pounce on the loose ball in a nervous few moments of the closing stages to the first half.

Early in the second half Brightlingsea had a heart in mouth moment as the ball flew off Captain Matt Cripps and diverted past Sam Cowler and with Harlow striker Alex Read chasing hard with the ball heading in, Cripps won the chase back into the goalmouth to run the ball away from danger proving the never say die attitude inbuilt into the team was clearly evident.

Mario Noto turned a free kick from a threatening position over the bar as Regent survived a strong Harlow performance in the second half. Read and Sonko both spurned efforts, Cowler got down low to save from Read, Dadson wasn't able to react to the rebound whilst Sonko's chance went three feet wide.

Brightlingsea gave a debut to Michael Runicles who made a substitute appearance whilst Ross Brazitis and Charlie Durling joined the action from the bench and all worked hard to frustrate Harlow and it was the midfield work during the second half which proved an important factor in thwarting the Harlow forward moves, Durling frustrated Harlow substitute Syrus Gordon just outside the box, Runicles held the ball up at the other end as Regent looked to close the game out, it was a much quieter half for Harlow keeper David Hughes and there was plenty of smiles and relief when the full time whistle went.