Regent Held At Essex Neighbours

A Tom Richardson Brace inside the first 12 minutes of this Ryman North encounter at Scraley Road seemed to signal that once again Regents bright start and high tempo would secure another three points.

Manager James Webster made some changes with Kieron Baker replacing the absent Jake Turner in midfield, Sam Cowler standing in for the injured Ollie Bowles and young Harry McDonald starting after Phil Kelly reported a slight hamstring strain.This was to be keeper Cowlers final start for the R/s before he travels to develop his career in China and it appeared that he would have little to do given the visitors early dominance.

The travelling Regent fans could have been forgiven in thinking that after the lows and highs of weekends game against Thamsmead this was looking to be a lot more straight forward. Richardson scored his first with a smart finish on 5 minutes and then a sweeping R/s move saw him score his second on 12 minutes.

As the game settled there seemed to be little danger for the visitors and comfortable lead at half time seemed to be on the cards. However some pressing from Swifts and Connor Witherspoon being caught in possession on the half way line led to the home sides
first real attack of note. Heybridge shifted the ball quickly and as the Regent players worked hard to recover the ball was worked in to the area where Swifts striker Jake Barham slotted home. From nothing the home side were back in the game and there was to be more to come just before half time when another Swifts attack caused problems for the Regent defense and as the ball was once again
played in to the Regent box it struck Josh Gould on the hand. The referee pointed to the spot for a Heybridge Penalty. Jake Barham stepped up and steered the ball home for his second and the equalizer for Heybridge.

The second half saw more of the same with Regent having the best of possession and chances the pick of which was when Shamido Pedulu broke at pace into the Swifts box. One on one with the keeper Pedulu blasted high and wide from a tight angle when he perhaps would have expected to do better and at least work the keeper.

As the game drew to a close Webster brought on fresh legs to protect what was on reflection an important point.

Brightlingseas unbeaten run continues and the FA Trophy game at Met Police beckons.

Report By Gavin Aplin