Brightlingsea Regent boarded the coach down to Essex rivals Billericay Town, a club that is not far from the headlines in the last year as they have a rather wealthy owner in Glenn Tamplin. A man who is not afraid of investing money.

With that aside, the R's started the game bright and gave a good account of themselves. After surviving a couple of early scares, first when Robert Evans hit a powerful strike which was tipped over by Sam Cowler and Jack Robinson had an effort that clattered the bar. The first real chance for the R's when Robbie Rees sent in a great cross from the left, which met the head of Billy Hunt but his effort wend agonisingly wide.

However the hosts did break the deadlock after 25 minutes. The ball was played out wide right, Danny Waldren then crossed, which got through to Adam Cunningham who was able to chest down with his back to goal and executed a neat overhead kick that went under Sam Cowler in goal. 1-0 HT

Regent were forced into a change just before the break when Connor Witherspoon was taken off injured, being replaced by the returning Tom Richardson.

Regent started the second half with attacking intend, as they pushed for an equaliser. Robbie Rees got free on the edge of the box to execute a shot which was pushed out well by goalkeeper Alan Julian.

Moments later, Regent carved another chance. When the ball got switched from left to right, then a neat run and through pass by Ricky Griggs got Freddie Gard in behind on the right which found Phil Kelly who's effort went just over.

After 62 minutes the hosts doubled their lead, against the run of play, a long range cross from Jermaine Pennant was chested down outside the box by Ricky Modeste allowing Jake Robinson to hit a first time volley into the top corner. A fantastic strike giving Sam Cowler no chance. 2-0

Regent kept up the work rate and continued to look to find a way back into the game, Jake Robinson added a third from an excellent counter attacking move. Billy Bricknell received the ball on the half way line, who turned and excellently layed into the path of Robinson to run on and slot past Sam Cowler. 3-0

Ricey completed the scoring in injury time, a fail on Danny Waldren by James Love on the edge of the penalty area allowed Jermaine Pennant the hit a wonderful Freekick into the top corner! FT 4-0

A score line that flattered the host a bit and was very tough to take for the travelling Regent fans. Credit to Billericay who a certainly the team to beat this season.

A comment from Darren Hatch after the game summed up the night well, "The Change up front at half time with Bricknell coming on, gave them a lot more mobility as 1st half they were very one dimensional. Shame we didn't score when we were on top early 2nd half as second goal against the run of play, knocked us. Overall though nights like tonight are a long way from Gas Rec on a Saturday afternoon. Well done players and management"

Regent travel to Merstham on Saturday where they will be looking to bounce back immediately.

Up the R's