This was one of only five matches played in the division with the cold snap and freezing
temperatures affecting the remainder of the games.Brightlingsea declared their North Road
pitch fit to play and a crowd of 157 turned up to watch two teams whose fortunes have
proved very different this season. The R's riding high in third place and Brentwood sitting in
the bottom three. James Webster was still without Ricky Griggs and Jake Gould and so the
full back spots were taken by Russell Malton and Robbie Rees. Brentwood may have been at
the wrong end of the table but carried a decent attacking threat in the form of Lamar
Reynolds and Leon Gordon. The visitors would certainly be looking to get these two on the
ball as much as possible in the Regent final third.

However it was the home side that made the perfect start when centre half Josh Gould met
the ball as it was delivered into the Brentwood area.His header gave Anthony Page no
chance in the Town goal. 1-0 R's.

Brentwood were looking vulnerable at the back but it was a different story when they were
able to get forward and it was break down the right hand side on twenty three minutes that
saw them create the chance for the equalizer.The subsequent cross saw Leon Gordon
completely unmarked in the Regent box and the Brentwood number nine made no mistake
to make it 1-1.

Both sides were looking more competent going forward than defending against the break
and it was Brentwood that would be disappointed with their marking when just four minutes
later Tom Richardson got the faintest of contacts on the ball in the visitors box to help guide
it into the net.2-1 Regent.

The second half was slightly edgy affair. Brightlingsea would have wanted the cushion of a
third goal and despite some promising build up play never really created their usual glut of
goalscoring chances. Brentwood were looking vulnerable at the back but were pacy on the
break and were still very much in the game. Matt Cripps was demonstrating once again a real
quality and captain role marshalling his team to hold on to their lead and Connor
Witherspoon was showing an energy and drive to get things moving for the R's.

The game ticked down and as the officials held up the board to display four extra minutes it
looked as though Brightlingsea had done enough to hold on for three points. Brentwood
though to their credit kept going and were looking like finishing the stronger. As the clock
ticked down to the end of the added time the ball was played to Andrew Freeman on the
Brentwood right wing. He took off at pace and as he approached the Regent area let loose a
cracking right foot shot from a tight angle which left Sam Cowler no chance. The Regent
players and fans could only watch on as he ran off to celebrate with the small travelling
contingent of Brentwood fans who had seen their team grab what would feel like a
victory.2-2.

Just moments after the restart the referee blew for time. Disappointment for Regent but in the
great scheme of things and a January which has seen the matches come thick and fast a
point today isn’t the worst outcome.Brightlingsea still maintain their unbeaten run and are
nine points clear with a game in hand on sixth place Cheshunt.

Gavin Aplin