Rovers 1 - 2 Brightlingsea Regent

Brightlingsea moved into second place in the Ryman North following a hard fought 2-1 win away at struggling Great Wakering Rovers.  The R's moved above Thurrock who lost out to Brentwood Town, and with league leaders Maldon & Tiptree also losing at home, it was a great day at the office for Regent.  For Rovers, they just can't buy a goal as a number of chances went begging which could have turned the game on it's head in the first half.

Chances fell to Jamie Guy, Jake Gordon and Jamie Age as Regent defended stoutly but a Dylan Skinner own goal after 25 minutes saw a good start by Rovers wiped out.  Skinner was fortunate to make the game after breaking down during the warmup with an ankle injury, but was left helpless as he tried to make the save down by his post under pressure.  Aaron Condon scored Regent's second with five minutes remaining, a well worked free kick that mirrored Matt Le Tissier's flick up and volley that looped over Skinner.

In the second half, Rovers came out and were the better side for large parts, Jake Gordon causing the Regent defence problems with his darting runs.  And it was Gordon that would bring hope to Rovers supporters with ten minutes left on the clock, his deft turn and lob of Regent keeper Sam Cowler giving the home crowd something to cheer having seen just 1 goal scored in the last 5 previous games.

As Rovers pressed, and with minutes remaining, two late free kicks and corners went astray leaving Regent to hold on and breathe a sign of relief as the ref signalled the end of the game.  For Rovers, it is another good step forward, competing well in another tough game.