Kick-off was delayed due to traffic issues affecting both teams, but it was the hosts who took early control, dominating possession for much of the first half.

There was a first start in a Brightlingsea shirt for recent signing Luca Terminiello, who lined up against the very side he joined from earlier this month.

The game was overshadowed in the 23rd minute when Jack Marshall suffered a worrying injury and was stretchered off the pitch, drawing concern from both sets of players and supporters.

Regent responded well, continuing to press, and were eventually rewarded in first-half stoppage time when Ola Bello rifled home the opener in the 48th minute.

The home side remained in the ascendancy after the break and doubled their lead on 70 minutes when Harry McDonald fired a precise 20-yard strike into the bottom corner.

There was still time for a third, as substitute Rico Adelaja capped off the night in the 90th minute, converting from close range after good work out wide by Fin Adams.

At the other end, goalkeeper Luke Avenell enjoyed a quiet evening but remained alert throughout, playing his part in a well-earned clean sheet behind a solid and organised defensive unit.

The victory sees Brightlingsea progress to the second round, where we'll will host Witham Town – with a date for the tie to be confirmed in due course.

Regent: Avenell, Namisi, Adams (C), Doyle, Okafor, Marshall (Jessup 23'), Ola Bello (Adelaja 64'), Harry McDonald, Shane Temple (Alex Scotcher 74'), Callum Harrison, Luca Terminiello (Jake Clowsley 63').