On Saturday we entertained high flying and unbeaten C.U.P. Webster had a full squad to choose from with the exception of Darren Moysey who continues to struggle with his fitness.
After a disappointing result / performance last week and a poor turn out at training Webster and Tom felt it necessary to tell the lads a few home truths looking for a response from all players (except the Holmans who strolled in late mid rant).
The game got underway and Regent started brightly passing the ball well moving the visiting side across the pitch. Half chances were created but nothing clear cut, although Regent continued to retain possession with the three central midfielders salter, S Holman and Clarky dictating the play. The break through came in the 25th minute, a powerful run by Gould saw him gallop pass two players before playing a neat ball into Whitaker, his deflected shot looped into the air it appeared the visiting keeper would come to claim but Pagey had different ideas. He reacted in the box jumped and hung in the air like Michael Jordan before steering his header passed the on rushing keeper 1-0. Tom opened his arms calling for his man but Page sprinted off to the fans to celebrate with Dover not the assistant manager.
C.U.P started to grow into the game and delivered some decent balls in the box but Regent defended well. After some more neat passing from the home side Clarky found himself baring down on goal, unfortunately the ball got stuck underneath his feet and before he could square to Pagey the keeper made a smart interception.
HT 1-0.
At half time the lads were reminded of last weeks game where we found ourselves one nil to the good only to surrender all three points in the second half. Tom also made some strange comment about his bag of tricks being stolen but refused to elaborate.
Regent came out the second half searching for a second goal. The game was getting stretched and Salter released Warren down the right hand side, he slotted the ball for Clarky who took one touch to steady himself and then struck a fine shot goal-bound only for the keeper to make a smart save and tip over.
The visitors then started to get on top pushing the home side deep into their own half. Regent seemed content with one nil score line and defending deep with the hope of catching the opposition on the break. The visitors played some quality balls into the box but between Beeson claiming well in his area and Hughes putting his head in anywhere Regent were able to hold onto the lead. Although under pressure Regent created the best chance of the second half, a long kick from Beeson found Pagey who out muscled the opposing defence to leave himself 1 on 1 with the keeper but he volleyed over the bar.
FT 1-0.
A great win for the Regent who proved they can beat anyone in the league but need the same level of commitment they showed this afternoon. A strong first half performance and some brave defending in the second half was enough to end the visitors 100% record.
As the players started to head off home and only a couple left in the bar Warren and Gould made a startling discovery. They had appeared to have found Toms bag of tricks (see photo attached). #ohdear#enoughsaid
Match Report by Warren Joseph