Regent boss Brett Munyard commented “Not at our best but winning games is always priority number 1” as the R’s leave it late to snatch the points at Stowmarket Town.

Regent started on the front foot from kickoff and worked an opening after a couple of minutes as Bradley Russell shot from the edge of the box, which whistled over the bar.

Agyakwa was next to shoot off target, as Bradley Russell nipped in to steal possession, laying the ball in the path of Agyakwa who advanced to the penalty area but his snap shot couldn’t trouble the hosts keeper.

Apenteng went close after 20 minutes, as the R’s were patient in possession, finishing with Jolliffe setting up the wide man to strike off target.

Max Jolliffe this time found space after 38 minutes, running at a Stow defender towards the byline, only to be wiped out, with the referee pointing to the spot.

Kojo Apenteng stepped up, and despite sending James Askew the wrong way, his effort came back off the crossbar!

Immediately after the restart, Regent showed the same attacking intent, Marley Andrews was the next to engineer a shooting opportunity, forcing a save on the edge of the box.

Chances continued aplenty for Regent, which was starting to feel like it wasn’t going to be our day. Further distance efforts from Marlon Agyakwa and Kojo Apenteng were unable to break the deadlock.

Munyard made changes to personnel and formation in a desperate attempt to take the lead, substitute Billy Harris saw an effort blocked and Zack Littlejohn forced a save from his head.

However, it was Stowmarket who had offered very little throughout, but squandered a glorious opportunity as Regent committed bodies forward, a long ball out of defence found Seth O’Neill down the right, picking out Elliott Ballard forcing a big save from Lewis Greene.

With 6 additional minutes at the end of the half, Dom Locke forced a corner which was only half cleared, falling to Bradley Russell who turned onto his left foot and rifled into the net.

The Regent supporters sighed a huge relief in celebration as the home side slumped to their knees having given everything to deny 3rd placed R’s!

Brightlingsea can now enjoy the festivities this week, whilst the rest of the league prepare for the Boxing Day schedule.

Match Entertainment: 2/5 Stars
Player of the match: Bradley Russell (Brightlingsea Regent)