Regent Do Home League & Cup Double Over Great Wakering

Brightlingsea Manager James Webster had to shuffle his pack ahead this game against visitors Great Wakering Rovers.
Tom Richardson was away on holiday and so youngster Robert Harvey was drafted in to the side with Phil Kelly returning to the starting line up to partner in form striker Aaron Condon up front.This meant a return to the back four and a familiar right back position for Ricky Griggs and Kolade Salaudeen named on the bench.The home side were looking to build on the previous Tuesdays victory over Haringey Borough and gain some much needed momentum in a league that was already looking hard to predict.

Brightlingsea started the more positive of the two sides dominating the midfield with Jake Turner and Connor Witherspoon spoiling any Great Wakering possession and then moving the ball into the pacey Shamido Pedulu and Aaron Condon.The youngster Harvey was also causing the visitors problems with his strong and positive runs towards the heart of the visitors defence and with Phil Kelly providing some good hold up play and deft touches to keep the ball alive and Regent on the attack Great Wakering were looking a little off the pace.

This fine Brightlingsea start reaped its just reward when after only six minutes played Shamido Pedulu received the ball on the right
wing drove inside at pace leaving his markers for dead before firing an unstoppable shot low into the far corner of the visitors
goal. Since returning to the club Pedulu has looked sharper and his delivery much improved and the home support showed their
appreciation with their cheers and applause for his fine finish. Brightlingsea continued to look the more attacking threat and
with the ever dependable Matt Cripps marshaling a solid Regent back line Wakering were left with the scraps from a few half chances.

That old football adage that 1-0 is never enough would have been on the home sides minds as they took the field for the 2nd half.
Great Wakering had to push forward in search of an equalizer and as Brightlingsea's first half efforts started to take a toll on
some tired legs the visitors started to pose more of a threat.A second goal was needed and it came as a result of a stunning
strike from Matt Cripps. The visitors failed to clear the ball from in and around their box and as it fell to the Rs skipper
he thundered in an unstoppable shot which broke Great Wakering Harts. His second splendid strike in as many games proved his
qualities are not just consigned to defensive duties.

With a two goal cushion Manager Webster could now rest some tired legs ready for Saturdays trip away to Aveley. Young star Harvey was replaced by another Regent prospect Harry McDonald on 72 minutes.The visitors did pull a goal back on 80 minutes through Tommy Spillane and this would have frustrated the home goalkeeper Ollie Bowles and his defence who would have relished another clean sheet. It set up a slightly nervous 10 minutes for Brightlingsea which saw Salaudeen replace Pedulu and Mekhi McKenzie replacing Phil Kelly up top. The fresh legs and never say die attitude of the home team helped them protect their lead and at the final whistle Brightlingsea had another vital 3 points in the bag.

Report By Gavin Aplin