A result that, while wholeheartedly respecting the talent and experience of Maldon, was within the capability of our young squad and a win that most Brightlingsea fans believed was entirely possible.

The game began with Maldon and Tiptree having the majority of possession and creating some dangerous chances. Despite the possession, Regent held their position well and did create chances of their own with Ola Bellow and Jake Clowsley getting down the wings.

On 14 minutes, yet more good work from Ola Bello down the right resulted in a cross which was headed down by Jake Clowsley in to the path of Dan Rowe who lasered home the opening goal. A shot that, at first, looked like it was going wide, swerved in to the bottom corner.

This was a great game. Two footballing teams looking play attractive football and a real credit to the 8th tier of English football.

Brightlingsea made it 2-0 on 36' minutes when another pin point free kick by George Doyle was headed goal wards by defender Matty Tricker. The first goal in a Regent shirt for Matty who has earned plenty of praise from his teammates since he's arrived at the club.

HT 2-0

While some fans were still in the bar gathering their coats and scarfs for the 2nd half, news spread of a penalty to Maldon & Tiptree. As fans left the Regent Bar they were greeted with the sight of Freddie Sears set and ready to convert a penalty. However it wasn't to be with a fantastic save from stopper Luke Avenell diving to his left. The loose ball was quickly encouraged away from the Regent goal and the score remained 2-0 to the R's.

On 57' more attacking play from Regent resulted in another goal. This time, Harry MacDonald who met the ball at speed and rifled the ball in to the bottom corner. 3-0 to the R's and Regent well worth the score line.

The drama continued with Regent being awarded their own penalty shortly after but unfortunately Ola Bello couldn't find the net.

It was a nervy final 10 minutes for the R's with Maldon & Tiptree having a goal ruled out for offside, Cameron James getting a goal back and Matt Yates scoring a second for Maldon in extra time. Regent defended well, seeing further attempts at goal go wide and Luke Avenell again making a fantastic last ditch save one on one with a Maldon player.

The referee finally blew his whistle and the 3 points were Brightlingsea's.

This wasn't our cup final. We'll get bigger crowds and we'll always bounce around after a win. Yes, this was a win against a very good team and a club with great resources.

But to me this was confirmation of a fantastic turn around by Ryan Salter, his staff and the squad. A new squad after a complete rebuild, sticking together and believing in each other. Performing as they have done in the last few months. Enjoying football.

The result was no fluke, the form table shows two top performing teams battling it out with the home team coming out on top.

Regent: Avenell, Namisi, Durling, Tricker, Okafor, Doyle, Bello (Scotcher 93'), MacDonald, Temple (Ombok 59'), Rowe (Terminiello 68'), Clowsley (Riza 77').
Unused: Marsh
Goals: Rowe 14', Tricker 36', MacDonald 57'
Penalty save: Avenell 46'
Attendance: 263

Match Photography: https://joshlondon-photography.picfair.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Joshlondonphotography/

Programme: https://tinyurl.com/BRFCVsMaldonTiptree