Littlejohn Grabs Big Regent Triumph

ZACK Littlejohn's goal seven minutes from time gave strugglers Brightlingsea the points after a backs-to-the-wall defensive display.

It was a smash and grab from the visitors who were under pressure for most of the second half. But Merstham only had themselves to blame by not turning their possession into clear-cut chances.

The first half was a very forgettable affair. There was plenty of endeavour but very little quality on show, with neither keeper having to make a save of note.

Merstham upped the tempo after the break and put the visitors under relentless pressure. John Ufuah looked the most likely source of a goal for the Moatsiders. But all too often the final ball let them down.

They came desperately close on 68 minutes when Ufuah cut inside and fired towards the far corner, but Mack Miskin brilliantly headed the ball off the line.

With ten minutes left, a James Richmond header was palmed up by Rs keeper Charlie Turner, and Korry Henry and SergeMakofo got in each other's way trying to turn the rebound home.

And three minutes later, a Brightlingsea free-kick was fired in low and bundled home by Littlejohn from close range to give the R's an unexpected win.

by Chris Pullen
For The Non League Paper