Brightlingsea Regent traveled to Promotion chasers Leatherhead, a ground where the R’s had already tasted success after seeing off Kingstonian four weeks previous.

Regent were without full backs Ricky Griggs and Jake Gould, meaning George Keys went to left back and Terry Amass filled in at right back.

The hosts started on the front foot and Regent struggled to deal with Leatherhead’s early domination. It took until just 21 minutes for The Tanners to break the deadlock. A long ball out from defence was flicked on finding the feet of Jack Midson who slotted into the bottom corner. 1-0

Regent’s best chance of the half fell to Jake Turner, as the hosts debutant Keeper Manny Agboola scuffed his clearance with the ball falling to Turner on the edge of the box. But his first time volley was shot out of play.

Tanners could have made it two before the half ended, Midson again found space and advanced into the Regent box but was denied by a good save from James Bradbrook. HT 1-0

The second half started very similar to the first with the hosts applying more pressure, within minutes of the restart a well flighted Sammy Moore corner met the head of towering Centre back Jerry Nnamani but his effort crashed off the crossbar and over.

Rothery had introduced Aaron Condon at half time and this allowed Regent width against a tiring Leatherhead back line.

Condon was very close to turning supplier when his cross was allowed to bounce in the box, Turner was able to then stab an effort at goal but lacked the power and was comfortable for Agboola.

Regent did however get their reward in the 83rd minute. After continued pressure for the equaliser and a series of corners without prevail. Billy Hunt managed to slip in Sam Ashford who’d been brought on moments before, breaking the offside trap he was cool and executed into the bottom corner! 1-1

Leatherhead began to lump the ball into the box in search for the winner, with thanks to the referee they were given that opportunity. Matt Cripps went to tackle Midson near the byline and as he got there he slipped. Despite winning the ball the Ref deemed this serious fail play and the skipper was shown red! Midson made no mistake from 12 yards. FT 2-1

A sour ending and a bitter pill to swallow for the Regent players and supporters, having played so well in the second half and feeling like they have been robbed once again!

Next up in the league, the R’s host Merstham on Saturday, looking to put right the wrongs.