Regent travelled to Potters Bar on a bright sunny day which was more like May than the end of March. The hosts had a “pay what you like” policy in action and the bar and burger counter were doing a roaring trade. Full marks to them for the beer from the excellent Tring brewery.

Regent came out in the blue away kit with Turner in goal, a back four of Reid, Littlejohn, Thompson and Gregan; Flood, Bell, Durling and Carlos Rocha in midfield and Blair and Barnby up front. Kane Gilbert, Dom Locke and Chris Ribchester were on the bench.

Regent kicked off and made their usual up tempo start with Aaron Blair getting in a good cross and Connor Barnby hitting the ball across the goal but going wide. So, it was a bit of a surprise when the hosts went ahead after just eight minutes when Christian-Law got the ball on the left and thumped the ball into the far side of the goal.

Regent pressed forward for an equaliser but in spite of having a lot of possession were unable to create any clear openings. Half way through the half, Wyan Reid went down after getting his studs caught in the ground, but continued after receiving treatment. He was clearly feeling the effects when Potters Bar got a cross in from the left and Regent had a big let off when Wabo headed the ball against the base of the post.

After 34 minutes it was clear that Reid was struggling and Kane Gilbert was brought on to replace him.

The remainder of the half was pretty even but with Potters Bar creating the more dangerous chances, forcing Turner to save with his legs. Regent created half chances but Potters Bar were effective in smothering these attacks which resulted in tame attempts on goal.

At half time the hosts had scored with the best chance of the half and had been unlucky to see a header come off the post whereas Regent had had plenty of possession but nothing to show for it.

Second half
No changes were made at half time but after ten minutes Potters Bar brought on Colchester United loanee Sam Cornish to liven things up. A minute later this had the desired effect as Potters Bar doubled their lead to put Regent in their usual position of being two down.

Regent pressed forward and after 62 minutes Ogundere was booked for bringing Aaron Blair down when in full flight. Still they pressed forward with Chris Gregan launching long throws into the penalty area and then Blair and goalkeeper Al-Droubi collided when going for a loose ball and the goalkeeper appeared to react by raising his arm against the forward. The Regent dug out, subs and fans were left incredulous when both players were booked for what appeared to be a fair contest for the ball which led to a subsequent reaction.

Two minutes later Regent got on the score sheet when Blair got on the end of a through ball and volleyed the ball into the net.

More substitutions followed as Regent brought on fresh legs with Locke and Ribchester replacing Bell and Barnby.

The most controversial moment came in the closing minutes when the goalkeeper failed to collect and Zack Littlejohn poked the ball through his legs and over the line only to see it disallowed for an offence.

Match verdict
Regent will look back on this as a point inexplicably lost with crucial decisions all going against them at vital moments. Hopefully Wyan Reid’s injury will not be too serious and he will be able to be part of the run in and others will be back from injury and international commitments.

By Paul Ketchley