Brightlingsea leave it very late to snatch a last gasp winner!

Brightlingsea Regent managed to secure their place in the FA Cup First Qualifying round with an emphatic finish at the death thanks to a 90th minute Tom Richardson goal.

With both teams starting the game a little nervously and the wind causing all sorts of problems. It was Regent that managed to find the first chance. In the 7th minute, Good play down the right hand side allowed Ricky Griggs to deliver a well flighted cross which was met by a turning, half volley from Russell Malton to bring the first save of the game by Great Wakering's Goalkeeper Matt Belcher.

Regent were almost in front in the 14th minute, when skipper Matt Cripps lifted a ball in towards the crowded penalty area for it to be carried by the wind and travel towards goal nearly catching the Wakering keeper (Belcher) out and bouncing off the crossbar. Tom Richardson followed up on the rebound and his downward header was comfortably saved.

10 minutes later it was Great Wakering's turn to hit the woodwork, a free kick conceded on the edge of the Regent area allowed striker Liam Nash to strike a curling effort that bounced off the post and out for a goal kick.

The visitors began to build confidence and were then able to take the lead. In the 29th minute a 25 yard effort on the left hand side by Great Wakering's winger Kris Newby caught the wind and the ball moved around in the air, catching Ollie Bowles out and going through the goalkeepers hands. A nightmare moment for Bowles. 0-1.

Wakering's advantage didn't last too long though. In the 35th minute Regent were level, when an inventive short corner by Aaron Condon was played short and quick to Ricky Griggs, who then laid the ball back to Condon to make a driving run into the box and get his shot away low, through the crowded area and into the bottom corner of the net. 1-1.

The game become a little more open as both sides looked for an advantage to take into the break. On the stroke of half time some good passing play got Condon in on goal to strike from a similar angle to his goal, but this time the goalkeeper (Belcher) pulled off a smart save. Almost seconds later it was Wakering's turn. A long ball by the defender Tommy Spillane was sent 70 yards up field and Nash wriggled off Josh Gould to get a shot away, but his effort was comfortable for Bowles in goal.

HT 1-1

The second half kicked off and within two minutes of the restart Great Wakering had a glorious chance to take back the advantage. A ball down the left side caught the Regent players half asleep and allowed the Wakering danger man Leon Gordon to get through on goal, approaching the box and finding himself one on one with Bowles in goal, he unleashed his shot but the on coming keeper saved well with his knee. A huge let off for Regent.

Regent then settled down and began to play the better football. In the 50th minute Griggs managed to find some space down the right hand side and struck an effort at goal but the keeper (Belcher) pulled of an easy save to his right.

Chances become very limited for both sides as the game fizzled out. Great Wakering looked as if they were content with the draw and a replay. A further chance for Regent fell to Russell Malton, in the 88th minute when he got on the end of a cross at the back post but his effort just whistled wide of the goal.

The match looked to be as good as over but then there was an emphatic finally, in the 90th minute Regent striker Tom Richardson managed to snatch a last gasp winner! a cross from Russell Malton down the right hand side was headed away to the edge of the penalty area by Wakering defender Nick Hilder. Ricky Griggs then hit the ball, low towards the goal. Richardson collected Griggs's effort and managed to turn from 5 yards out, he knocked the ball home into the net with the keeper (Belcher) well beaten and give Regent the priceless win! 2-1

FT 2-1

It was a game that won't go down as a classic by any means, but sets up a big game against Ryman Premier League opposition in Billericay Town at North Road on Saturday 3rd September.

Regent: Regent: Bowles, Griggs, Jake Gould, Cripps, Josh Gould, Witherspoon (Baker 82), Turner, Malton (Ayling 90), Condon, McDonald (Clowsley 76), Richardson.
Subs: Ayling, Baker, Downey, Clowsley, Reakes, Clewley, McKenzie.
Goals: Condon (35), Richardson (90)
Booked:
Man of the match: Turner

Great Wakering: Belcher, Pugsley, Worrell, Hilder, Spillane, Skelton, Newby, Gardner, Liam Nash, Gordon, Jacobs
Subs: Johnson, Toussaint, Jay Nash.
Goals: Liam Nash
Booked:

Attendance: 103

Referee: Neil West