Brightlingsea Regent welcome Needham Market to the Taydal Stadium in a 1pm Boxing Day kick off.
Regent couldn’t have gotten off to a worst start inside 10 minutes, the visitors were in front. A huge mistake as Harry Palmer collected a dead ball on the right hand byline, he then played a pass across his own empty net to Josh Gould, this was read by Needham’s tricky winger Luke Ingram who closed Gould down and disposed him to slide Home into an empty net. 0-1
After 17 minutes, things got worse for the R’s as Needham doubled their advantage. Jake Turner looked to take on his man on the edge of his own half only to be tackled by the Needham captain Gareth Heath, Heath then played a neat through ball to Ingram down the right channel for him to cross for Striker John Sands to tap home. 0-2
On the 28th minute, the R’s pulled a goal back, it was Needham this time to look shaky at the back. Phil Kelly got Aaron Condon free on the left hand side, he then made his way unmarked towards the Needham box and smashed Home past Daniel Gay in goal at his near post. A lifetime, 1-2
Regent came close to a leveller 5 minutes later, Sam Ashford was fouled by the home dugout, Aaron hit a long free kick into the box where Matt Cripps was able to connect with his head, but Daniel Gay was about to make a good save and tip over! HT 1-2.
Regent needed a response in the second half to take any points from the game. The task got harder when Needed added a third 10 minutes into the half. Adam Mills received the ball on the left hand side, his cross was only half cleared to the edge of the box falling for Gareth Heath, Heath drove into the box and struck past Palmer. 1-3
After this goal, Needham looked to shut up shop and protect their advantage, making it hard for Regent to get back into the game. The R’s failed to make and more real clear cut chances.
In added time Regent got a consolation goal, which was goal of the game. Billy Hunt picked up the ball inside the centre circle, he looked up and saw the Needham keeper Daniel Gay off his line before lobbing him from 45 yards over his head! FT 2-3
A disappointing day for Regent who were sloppy in possession and punished for their mistakes. The R’s will get another pop in just a few days to put right the wrongs as they host Tonbridge Angels.
# | Team | Pl | Pts |
18. | Merstham | 46 | 56 |
19. | Needham Market | 46 | 49 |
20. | Brightlingsea Regent | 46 | 48 |
21. | Harlow Town | 46 | 47 |
22. | Lowestoft Town | 46 | 43 |
23. | Burgess Hill Town | 46 | 36 |
24. | Tooting & Mitcham United | 46 | 36 |