Brightlingsea lined up with a strong looking side of Charlie Turner; Ricky Griggs, Matt Cripps, Josh Gould, Jake Gould; Adam Hampson, Jake Turner, Amir Berkane; Ace Howell Billy Hunt and Romario Dunne. Charlie Lindoe, Rigers Kabashi, Joe Yaxley, Fahad Nazar and Pip Boyland were on the bench.

Cheshunt’s ground has been subject to further impressive improvements since our last visit there when we won the Isthmian League North in 2017.

Jake Turner kicked off for the R’s who were playing with the wind behind them but the early exchanges were very even with Matt Cripps closing down Cheshunt’s Shane Cojocarel whenever the home side tried to exploit his pace and acceleration.

Regent came into the game more as the first half progressed and won a series of corners. The first significant incident came after 25 minutes when the Regent defence had to clear an attempt off the line but overall the game was very even, and Regent could only point to having put in some dangerous looking crosses which nobody could get near and winning a series of corner kicks.

As the half progressed Cheshunt’s robust approach led to left back Joe Russell being booked after bringing down Romario Dunne and Regent stepped up the pressure as a Ricky Griggs cross nearly sneaked in. Shortly before half time Ace Howell and Adam Hampson switched sides which seemed to disrupt Cheshunt’s defence and Romario Dunne was unable to reach a through ball when just in front of goal. Claims that he was pulled back were ignored by the referee.

The first half petered out with Charlie Turner making a comfortable save from a free kick by Cheshunt’s Jordan Westcott and the teams going in with scores level.

Second half

Neither side made any changes during the interval.

Regent started the second half with more intent and the Cheshunt keeper had to be alert to palm away a Billy Hunt header which was destined for the top corner after a few minutes. Shortly afterwards Billy was tumbled over in the penalty area and Cheshunt’s supporters were relieved when the referee saw nothing to penalise.

Further half chances were made with some good interpassing by the Regent midfield. Ace Howell was played in on the left hand side of the box but he was unable to hit the target from a tight angle.

After 61 minutes Cheshunt decided that their original game plan was going nowhere and Shane Cojocarel was replaced by Olusanya Olutoyosi.

Regent’s corner count increased as, first, a good run by Jake Turner enabled Billy Hunt to get a shot away but it was blocked by a defender and then a foul on Ace Howell led to a free kick which Jake Turner tapped for Billy Hunt who saw his attempt blocked. The corner count reached 8-2 in Regent’s favour as Ricky Griggs’ delivery led to an attempt by Romario Dunne being pushed away and a follow up from Ace Howell was cleared.

Cheshunt were offering little at this stage and Joe Re was booked in the Regent penalty area for what appeared to be simulation.
Manager Tom Rothery started to ring the changes and first brought on Rigers Kabashi for Adam Hampson and then Charlie Lindoe for Romario Dunne who had just been shown the yellow card.

Regent continued to make chances with a shot by Kabashi and then a four on two opportunity which they were unable to exploit.
Cheshunt appeared to be unable to do anything right and were even penalised for a foul throw when the referee theatrically showed the need for both feet to be on the ground.

Regent kept pressing forward and Cheshunt’s Jordan Westcott went into the book for a late challenge on Amir Berkane.

In the closing minutes of the half Ace Howell had the best chance of the match so far to put the game to bed as he stooped to make a header but could only put the ball wide and then Billy Hunt powered a shot past the post.

As added time approached Cheshunt made two final substitutions and it looked as though the game was destined for a replay. One of Cheshunt’s injured players in the stand asked why extra-time or penalty kicks wouldn’t play a part. A minimum of three minutes added time was announced, which the Cheshunt supporters interpreted as more like four or five minutes for their team to survive.

But is was not to be, as right back Ibs Diallo took the positive approach and carried the ball over the half way line and delivered an excellent cross to the far side of the Regent goal area where the tall Mo Camara met the ball and headed it firmly into the net. The Cheshunt support went wild as they realised that, against the run of play, they had won the game in the final two minutes with their only serious goal attempt of the half.

Match Verdict

Regent will wonder how they didn’t win this match or at least force a replay because they had most of the game and the chances. Credit has to go to the combination of Diallo and Camara who gave a text book demonstration of how a full back should deliver a cross to the far post and how a big tall forward should put it away. Regent will look to continue their approach to this game in their league performances.

By Paul Ketchley