1st Team

24/11/2007
Brightlingsea Regent vs Lawford Lads

Brightlingsea consolidated their high Premier Division League position with a convincing win against lowly visitors Lawford Lads. Their strong second half performance was too much for the gallant losers and yet it could have been a different story had the visitors not conceded a crucial goal just before the break. Although Brightlingsea controlled much of the first half Lawford competed well but a goal five minutes into the second half condemned Lawford to their 10th defeat of the season.
Lawford's first attack saw Oliver Mann test Home keeper Matt Griggs with an attempt from 20 yards that was comfortably held whilst at the other end Lawford's experience keeper John Watkins was quickly of his line to punch clear to avert early danger.
Darryl Wallis created some space in the box but his resultant shot lacked pace and Watkins comfortably saved low down to his left. The home side continued their offensive play and Wallis sent a teasing cross into the box but again Watkins was well positioned to come off his line to punch clear with authority.
Lawford surprisingly went in front in the 15th minute slightly against the run of play. Indeed the ball was played out of defence from a deep position down the right finding Mann with the home defence hopelessly caught out. Mann pushed forward and squared the ball to the unmarked DAVID GIBSON who in some space settled on then ball before picking his spot and steering the ball wide of keeper Griggs.
Brightlingsea pushed forward with more venom and forced several corners but the Lawford defence stood firm. However they had a good chance on 23 minutes when Ritchie Meadows delivered a fine cross into the box picking out Yunis Ascan whose header was plucked out of the air by Watkins safe hands.
The visitors nearly went further ahead when Paul Gaffney's deep cross went beyond the far post finding Joshua Jackson whose goal bound header struck a defender and steered to safety.
Brightlingsea drew level in the 32nd minute when a corner was poorly defended and the ball ran loose across the face of the goal enabling ADAM AUGER to turn and strike home from 6 yards.
Although the home side were having more of the play Lawford's Mann and Gibson were both dangerous with on the break with their pace.
Just before the break the visitors went close when Gibson released the speedy Mann who crossed in to the box but the oncoming Jackson was a yard of the pace and the opportunity went begging.
Brightlingsea then went in front at a crucial moment in the 44th minute when the influential Meadows sent an inch perfect cross to the far post finding ADAM AUGAR who rose with great aplomb to head home to give his side an interval lead.
Half Time: Brightlingsea Regent 2 - lawford Lads 1
Lawford made a confident restart and Mann provided a cross from the left finding Gibson but he was unable to get pace on his header.
Brightlingsea then extended their lead in the 50th minute with a fine goal. A diagonal ball from the right eluded the visitor's defence finding home defender SIMON LEVI who showed good control before volleying powerfully giving Watkins no chance.
The home side almost went further ahead when a three man move culminated in Meadows sending a fiercely driven low shot from the right but Watkins made a terrific save at the expense of a corner.
The home side were getting on top and Lawford were finding it difficult to get back into the game. However they had a guilt edge chance in the 75th minute when Mann did well down the right flank before releasing the ball into the box to substitute David Cone but he miss kicked in front of goal and Lawford's chance of salvaging the game went with it.
Brightlingsea made the game safe with two goals in as many minutes. In the 80th minute RITCHIE MEADOWS cut in from the right and fired a left shot past Watkins and then moments later RICKY GRIGGS ran through unopposed giving the expose Watkins no chance to make it 5-t.
The visitors visibly lost heart but to their credit they pulled a goal back in injury time. Referee Mr King awarded a free kick some 25 yards out and Lawford's hard working man the match OLIVER MANN struck a superb free kick that sailed past keeper Matt Griggs to nestle high into the net.
For Brightlingsea Ritchie Meadows was a shining star with high work rate and the ability to engage other players whilst Manager Alan Long will be pleased with the defensive combination of Josh Gould and Simon Levi who look good long term prospects and the foundation of the side.
They look a good bet to maintain their challenge in the higher reaches of the Premier Division
One gets the feeling that Lawford need a little good fortune to kick start their season. Certainly there is plenty of belief with there two forward players David Gibson and Oliver Mann but Manager Steve Collier may well be disappointed that heads appeared to drop when the game was beyond retrieving for his young side.
Full marks to sprightly 61 year old referee Mr King who did well keeping up with play and always in position to make decisions.
Teams:
Brightlingsea Regent-
Matt Griggs; Lewis Cabuche, Josh Daunders, Simon Levi, Josh Gould; Johnny Hesketh, Darryl Wallis, Yunis Ascan, Adam Augar; Ritchie Meadows, Ricky Griggs;
Substitutes: Joel Walsh, Luke Johnston-Pooley, Ryan Salter, Craig Paig, Nei Turner.

Lawford Lads -
John Watkins; Connell Griffiths, Jason Dale, Jonathon Crouch, Bojan Stankovic; Joshua Jackson, Paul Gaffney, Alan Evans, Luke Randall; Oliver Mann, David Gibson;
Substitutes:
Daniel Webb, David Cone, Nick Golding.
Referee - Mr Leslie King (Ipswich).
Match report by John Campany.



29/9/2007
Brightlingsea Regent 1v1 Weeley

Brightlingsea Regent kick off and Weeley apply the pressure right from the start, and the first chance falls to Weeley when they get a corner and swings in from the right and M.Griggs catch’s at the far post. 10 minutes in and its all Weeley with 2 corners and 2 free kicks successfully defended by Brightlingsea.
20 minutes have passed and Brightlingsea have their first chance with a corner, R. Griggs whips in to the near post, Weeleys number 7 puts it out for another corner, R.Griggs whips it in again and its headed off the line and out of the penalty area but not clear R.Salter gets hold of the ball and plays it out wide for B.Hardey to follow and try to put it back in the box were the keeper claims the ball and clears it up field. 25 minutes gone and Brightlingsea are getting to grips with the way Weeley are playing, who keep getting corners but just can not finish. The first good chance for Brightlingsea comes when R.Griggs puts the ball high over the cross bar. Then from the resulting goal kick the keeper miss kicks the ball to straight to R.Salter who sends it back just over the cross bar, the half finishes with Brightlingsea putting the pressure on Weeley.
Second half subs: B.Hardy and J.Saunders off M.Aingier and L.Johnston-Pooley on.
Weeley kick off the second half and increase the pace until 5 minutes played and Brightlingsea get a corner which is taken by M.Aingier who kicks it long for B.Barnard to heads back into the box for J.Walsh to head it across the goal and into the top left corner for a well deserved 1-0 lead.
23 minutes played and Brightlingsea make their final sub with A.Auger going off and J.Hesketh coming on.
38 minutes played and Weeley have their first opportunity of the second half when R.McLean make a run down the right hand side and gets to the bye line and puts in a low cross for S.Cripps to put in from close range, to make it 1-1 with under 10 minutes to play, Brightlingsea keep going and nearly scores a late winner when R.Griggs gets the ball and takes on a defender just wide of the penalty area and whips in a perfect cross for J.Walsh at the far post who puts it across the front of the keeper and hits the far post bounce on the line for the keeper to pick up and kick up field, and the ref to whistle for full time.

Brightlingsea Bill


22 September 2007
Alresford Colne Rangers 2v0 Brightlingsea Regent
Conditions were ideal at Ford Lane for this local derby and Brightlingsea, promoted from the first division last season, were hoping to avenge their league cup defeat at the hands of Frank Thompson's side last month.
In the event, whilst Alan Long's lads side gave a good account of themselves, two second half goals from Matt Hargreaves and Joe Murphy were enough to consolidate Alresford's second position in the Premier Division.
In a fairly even first half the home side almost went in front within 30 seconds when Joe Murphy volleyed a tremendous shot that struck the underside of the upright and rebounded to safety.
Brightlingsea quickly responded and with the home defence having difficulty clearing a corner the visitors had two successive shots blocked. Then they put together a positive move culminating in Brad Hardy releasing Johnny Hesketh into the box but the subsequent attempt was foiled when Ben Murphy headed the ball into touch conceding another corner.
The visitors continued to look lively and Joel Walsh made a penetrating run down the left crossing into the box but defender Gary Wright under pressure headed clear.
There was then a brief hold up when Matty Griggs in the Brightlingsea goal was injured dealing with a deep cross from Daniel Martin but after treatment continued.
The nearest goal scoring chance came in the 25th minute when the visitors Ricky Griggs sent free kick into the box and defender Josh Gould rose and headed just over. Moments later Griggs had a difficult heading chance but the attempt lacked pace to concern keeper Ben Mitchell.
The home side then stretched the opposing defence when Ben Murphy released Matt Hargreaves down the right flank and his low cross into the box found Robert Marks who turned and fired low to Griggs 's right but the keeper comfortably saved. Moments later Gary McSweeney's free kick found Joe Murphy but from close range his delayed kick was foiled by Gould. Tom Cooper then shot wide as the home side looked to make an impact.
Just before the break Brightlingsea were unlucky when following a free kick Lewis Cabuche struck the woodwork with an excellent left foot shot and at the other end Marks played in Hargreaves whose half volley drifted just over.
Half Time: Alresford Colne Rangers 0 - Brightlingsea Regent 0
Alresford tested the visiting defence with successive free kicks and Cooper shot straight at Griggs.
Gould then caused problems with a long throw that found Bruce Barnard who fired a fierce volley that Mitchell did well to save. Indeed Brightlingsea were beginning to stretch the home side and Joel Walsh displayed his skills before releasing Cabuche who turned his defender and sent a low shot that Mitchell saved at his near post.
However, on the hour against the run of play Alresford went in front when following a good build up Joe Murphy set up MATT HARGREAVES who showed good control before sending a rasping shot from 18 yards that flew past the keeper.
Brightlingsea nearly drew level in the 74th minute when Hardy's free kick was flicked on to Simon Levi who touched the ball agonisingly over the bar.
The visitors then appeared to have equalised two minutes later when Levi netted following Mike Angier's corner. With the players making there congratulations and moving to the half way line anticipating the restart, referee Mr Ricky Johnson's attention was drawn to his assistant. Following a lengthy consultation the goal was overruled which seemed controversial and disputed.
However, it appeared that Gould had run behind the goal prior to the corner being taken and then re appearing back on the pitch standing in front of the keeper which may or not have impeded Griggs. However, assuming these were the facts which had not been evidenced by everybody at pitch side, the referee was quiet correct to disallow the goal for a technical infringement of the rules.
With the visitors showing plenty of fight they then fell further behind in the 82nd minute when Joe Murphy fastened on to a ball played down the left channel and moving forward he brilliantly chipped the keeper, who was marginally off his line, from 22 yards to put the game beyond Brightlingsea.
Brightlingsea's disappointment was nearly compounded further in the final moments when Griggs made a point blank save from Cooper and then Marks drove with pace into the side netting.
Brightlingsea will take heart in their performance whilst Arlesford will be delighted to have bounced back following their defeat at Great Bentley last week and to maintain their second spot in the table.
Full Time: Alresford Colne Rangers - 2 - Brightlingsea Regent 0
Teams:Arlesford Colne Rangers
Ben Mitchell; Daniel Martin, Ben Murphy, Joe Murphy, Gary Mc Sweeney; Paul Western, Scott Kerry, Matt Hargreaves, Tom Cooper; Gary Wright, Robert Marks.
Substitutes: James Walters, Jacob Halls, Eddie Windbridge, Gary Bright
Brightlingsea Regent
Matty Griggs; Brad Hardy, Mike Angier, Simon Levi, Josh Gould; Johnny Heskith, Bruce Barnard, Ryan Salter, Lewis Cabuchu; Joel Walsh, Ricky Griggs;
Substitutes: Darryl Wallis, Adam Augar, Josh Saunders, Kit Welsh, Luke Johnston-Pooley
Reporter John Campany

16/9/2007
Gas Rec 5v1 Brightlingsea Regent

Having never played Gas Rec before, Brightlingsea didn't know what to expect, but Gas being the Premier champions for the last few seasons or so, it was always going to be a game where we needed to put it all in and perform at our best. Unfortunately Brightlingsea didn't. The worst performance so far this season saw Brightlingsea come out sluggish and take 35 minutes to come into the game, but by then Gas were already 1-0 up, after scoring a close range header. Brightlingsea were very much in the game for the last 10 minutes of the half and the first 15 of the second, but a second Gas Rec goal closely followed by a third took all the fight out of Brightlingsea. The score was brought back to 3-1 when Ricky Griggs met a stunning Josh Gould cross with an excellently directed header which nestled in the top corner. This turned out to be small consolation as Brightlingsea went further behind in an attempt to push forward. It was a lacklustre performance from Brightlingsea which ended in a 5-1 loss. A vastly improved performance next week and every other week will be needed if Brightlingsea are to push on in this league. Hopefully the team will learn from this and come back stronger.



8/9/2007
Team Bury 1v2 Brightlingsea Regent

The fifth meeting in 3 seasons saw an exciting encounter between Brightlingsea Regent and Team Bury. Bury started off at a very high tempo and ran Brightlingsea ragged for the first 20 minutes, which ended in them taking the lead. The ball was whipped in from a free kick wide on the Brightlingsea right, and in some confusion evaded everyone and sneaked into the far left corner of the goal. After the goal Brightlingsea started to come into it more, creating a couple chances, and finally equalised 10 minutes before half time, when Ryan Salter played a pin point ball through for Lewis Cabuche who hit a beautiful first time half volley which flew across the Bury Goalkeeper off the far right post and into the net. Brightlingsea started the second half better and took the lead half way through with Bruce Barnard's bullet header, rising like a salmon from a great Ricky Griggs corner. Brightlingsea held on well and could well have gone 3-1 up but allowed Bury to stay in the match. Bury looked like they would nick a point when in the dying seconds were awarded a penalty after Michael Angier was judged to have handled the ball in the area. Unfortunately for Bury they blew the chance, blasting over from the spot. The game ended in celebration for Brightlingsea having won 2-1. A well earned and deserved victory.


1/9/2007
Brightlingsea Regent 4v2 West Bergholt

The first 15 minutes and it,s all West Bergholt Brightlingsea can not get out their half, 20 minutes gone and now Brightlingsea start to take control of the game 28 mins gone West Bergholt get a free kick 20 yards in own half taken by the keeper, headed back into West Bergholt,s half over a defender’s head R.Griggs collects it and lob’s it over the keeper for the opening goal at 27minutes gone.
Half time Brightlingsea Regent 1- 0 West Bergholt
Second half subs.R.Janaway and D.Wallace off. J.Hesketh and L.Johnston-Pooley on.
7 minutes into the second half and J.Hesketh cross’s from the right into the penalty area a defender miss heads the ball out to the edge of penalty area were J.Walsh collects the ball and lob’s the keeper. 15 mins gone and R.Griggs gets the ball wide on the right cuts in side and takes on 2 defenders then hits a peach with his left foot straight into the net for his second goal. 19 mins gone and J.Walsh gets the ball wide on the left takes on a defender gets into the area near the bye line puts the ball into the 6 yard box for L.Cabuche to put the ball into an open goal. 27 minutes played Subs J.Saunders off M.Aingier on .35mins into second half and West Bergholt start to put Brightlingsea back under pressure and pull one back when a defender fails to clear in his area. 40 mins West Bergholt score from corner.
A well deserved win for Brightlingsea Regent.

Brightlingsea Bill


25/8/2007
Uni Of Essex 1 1 Brightlingsea Regent

18/8/2007
League Knockout Cup

Brightlingsea Regent FC 1-2 Alresford Colne Rangers
First game of the season and it’s a local derby and a cup game at that. It all starts well 5 minutes into the game a defensive head out by J.Gould straight down the centre to A.Auger takes it on a few paces pass’s it onto R.Griggs left side of the penalty area takes it round one player shot’s and puts it low and to the right of the keeper Brightlingsea 1 up. 10 minutes later Alresford get a throw midway into the Brightlingsea half, ball only half cleared when Alresford number 9 hits a half volley and hits the crossbar. 5 minutes later Alresford get another throw this time it’s put away by Alresford number 9 to make it 1-1. 35 minutes into the game Brightlingsea get a free kick 25 yards out from goal R.Griggs takes it and the keeper makes a great save and push’s the ball a way. Just before half time Alresford get free kick, ball is put into the area keeper gets the ball and is pushed from behind ball goes free and the player who fouled the keeper puts it away to make it 1-2 to Alresford at half time.
Second half is under way ball is put through to L.Cabuche in the penalty area who turns and shots straight into the goal, as he turns the goal keeper runs into the back of Cabuche and the ref disallows the goal saying Cabuche fouled the keeper. Few minutes later M.Ainger puts a cross into the box and once again it Cabuche on the end of it and heads inches over the cross bar. Brightlingsea are creating the better chances but just can not find the net, last minutes of the game and Brightlingsea are pushing high up the pitch, we loss the just in their half and Alresford push forward their number 8 gets it to his feet in the penalty area goes round the keeper and miss’s a open goal. Good all round start for Brightlingsea now the cup is out the way well concentrate on the league.
Reporter
Brightlingsea Bill