As the wind began to gust around North Road for this Ryman League fixture it was a Brightlingsea Regent storm that was brewing. A glance at the team sheet showed what quality and strength in depth James Webster has in his squad. Some newspaper reports in
other areas have suggested Regent are a long throw team but anyone who observed the majority of R’s games will know that of the 113 goals the team has scored most have come from other areas.

Like any set piece it is a weapon in the armoury but you still need the players to execute and Brightlingsea certainly have a potent threat that can make the most of any opportunity. This was no better demonstrated than when after just two minutes new
signing Billy Hunt made the most of some sloppy organising in the Ware defence and latched onto a long ball and finished clinically to make it 1- 0 Regent.

The swirling wind was not making for the prettiest of games with much of the play in midfield as both teams sought to get a grip of the ball and the game but when the ball did find its way out of the hustle and bustle of the midfield trenches it was the home side who looked the brightest and carried more of a threat. The hard working Tom Richardson was holding the ball up well against a Ware back line that struggled to cope with his strength all evening this helped bring into play the lively Hunt and Rees always buzzing around the ball looking to make something happen.

Another new Webster signing Connor Hogan partnering Connor Witherspoon in the centre of the R’s midfield which looked solid all night and a back four which had conceded only once in the last three games left you feeling it was going to be a long night for the visitors.That feeling was further compounded when shortly before half time and after a period of sustained pressure the R’s won a corner. Aaron Condon delivered a real beauty and it was that man again Billy Hunt who was left unmarked in the Ware box to power a header home from close range.2-0 Regent.

Then just a minute later Brightlingsea scored a third. Another corner and a goal mouth scramble led to the ball falling to Tom Richardson. As his shot thundered towards the goal it was blocked bravely by a Ware defender. There was moment or two of confusion as to whether the whole of the ball had crossed the line.The linesman was sprinting back to the half way line to indicate a goal which was enough for the referee to award it.3-0 Regent.

The second half started with Ware making two changes both to their back four. Replacing their full back Jack Mace with pacey wide player Junior Appiah perhaps looking to use the wind now in their favour to get at the R’s back line which had had a fairly comfortable
night. The visitors did manage to create a few decent chances but couldn’t find a finish to claw them back into this game.

James Webster decided to freshen things up himself bringing on Phil Kelly for Aaron Condon. The substitution had an almost immediate effect with Philbo making the most of more defensive lapses to score his 99th Brightlingsea goal. 4-0 Regent.

As Ware were surely willing the referee to blow for time so that they could put this game behind them and make the journey back to Hertfordshire Billy Hunt again got in behind a broken back line to complete his hat trick.5-0 Regent.

When the referee finally did blow for time it was an opportunity for the Brightlingsea Regent family to take stock. Sitting behind Maldon on Tiptree only on goal difference and with a squad surely capable of pushing the jammers all the way, three clean sheets out of four,
plenty of goal threat and a game in hand on their North Essex rivals it had been another night to remember.

Finally a special mention must go to skipper Matt Cripps who made his 150th appearance for the club. As a captain he leads by example and is a credit to the club himself and his family.

Gavin Aplin