Condon's Hat-trick Seals Excellent Away Win!

Brightlingsea Regent headed to Kent to face Phoenix Sports who are currently top of the Ryman League North Table. The R's had a few changes to the squad, Kolade Salaudeen joined from Ipswich Town this week on a months loan. There were also returns to the squad for Warren Joseph and Shamido Pedulu who had been playing for Coggleshall Town in the Thurlow Nunn First Division.

It was the R's that started the brightest, just 3 minutes in Regent had their first chance, when good pressure from the Regent front two of Aaron Condon and Tom Richardson forced a corner. The Corner was nicely floated in by Jake Turner and Matt Cripps's header went narrowly over the bar.

After 20 minutes, Phoenix had their first chance, a counter attacking move saw Christie Pattison with the ball in the box and from a tight angle his shot forced a good save from Ollie Bowles in goal and pushed out for a corner.

In the 29th minute, Regent had opened up Phoenix again when Jordan Blackwell drove into the box he squared for Aaron Condon, whose shot was well saved by the Phoenix Goalkeeper Steve Phillips.

After 42 minutes, Condon and Regent got their reward. Matt Cripps overlapped down the right hand side, he moved into the box going past a Phoenix defender and cutting the ball back to Jordan Blackwell who hit a good shot at goal, this was well saved by Goalkeeper Phillips, the ball ran across goal and Aaron Condon slid in, beating the defender to the ball and knock home his first! HT 0-1

The second half started and Phoenix started well, they had a chance to equalise early on when in the 46th minute, Regent failed to clear their lines and the ball allowed to bounce in the box. Pattison was the first onto it and stabbed at the ball, with it sailing over the crossbar.

The home side were then reduced to 10 men, on the 58th minute. Jason Goodchild was shown a second yellow, for a fail from behind on Jake Turner in the centre circle, earlier he had been booked in the first half for a high tackle on Tom Richardson.

Shortly after Regent were given a numerical advantage, they could have doubled their lead on the 62nd minute. Ricky Griggs was looking very effective down the right hand side, and he was shown the inside by Phoenix Defender Ashley Probets, Griggs cut in but snatched at his effort and the Goalkeeper had a simple save to make in the end.

In the 70th minute, Regent had a series of chances, but due to some fine saves from Goalkeeper Phillips, the scoreline remained 0-1. Firstly Tom Richardson got the ball in a central position and he drove forward and shot, which was saved, the rebound fell to Jordan Blackwell who hit a half volley into the ground and this was again pushed out by Phillips. It then fell to Griggs who this time beat the keeper, only to see his shot cleared off the line by Phoenix's Defender Jack Berry for a corner.

Just 3 minutes later, Phoenix were reduced to 9 men. Jack Hopkins was shown a second yellow after he rushed across and slid in late on Ricky Griggs. His previous caution was awarded earlier in the game for dissent.

With 77 minutes played, the R's finally doubled their lead. A moment of magic by Aaron Condon, with a ball sent into his path by Matt Cripps, Condon with a 'Bergkamp-esc' touch to bring it down out of the air and on the half turn smash his volley into the bottom corner of the net from 20 yards, giving Phillips no chance in goal. 0-2

6 minutes later, Regent's star man completed the hat-trick! when Condon was put through one on one after Phoenix sent men forward, with just goalkeeper to beat he slotted past him to seal the victory! 0-3 FT

A fantastic team performance from the R's. They have to now keep momentum and spirits high when they travel to Norwich United on Tuesday, we hope to see you all there as we go again!