BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent boss James Webster has sung the praises of "outstanding" skipper and defensive warrior Matt Cripps.

The former FC Clacton and Stanway Rovers man has flourished this season and his form has been a key factor in Regent climbing to the top of the Ryman League division north table.

They moved into pole position courtesy of Saturday's 3-0 success at Ware, coupled with previous pacesetters Maldon and Tiptree slipping up 3-2 at Bury Town.

And in addition to three precious points, it was also a second consecutive clean sheet for Regent.

In fact, they have only conceded once in their last five and Webster attributes much of their defensive steel to Cripps, who made his 150th club appearance in last week's 5-0 thumping of Ware at North Road.

“Crippo has been outstanding and absolutely unreal all season," said the Brightlingsea boss, whose side can move six points clear at the top if they win tonight's home match against Soham Town Rangers (kick-off 7.45pm).

“I haven’t seen anyone better at this level.

“(Head coach) Angelo (Harrop) jokingly says that I don’t give Crippo enough credit and praise from the sidelines, but it’s only because we’re so used to his quality.

“Ang says he always knew he was a good defender but he didn’t realise how good until joining us at Christmas."

Webster has also been impressed with new signing Connor Hogan - a recent recruit from Ryman League rivals VCD Athletic.

The midfielder scored twice in the friendly at Clacton and then made his competitive debut as a substitute in Regent's 3-1 victory against Aveley.

“He’s box-to-box and full of energy," said Webster.

“He gets up and down and one minute he’s in our half clearing an effort off the line – the next he’s at the other end trying to get on the end of a cross.

“It’s great to have players like that, with that athleticism.

“He also compliments Jake Turner, who’s more of a ball-playing midfielder who likes to find space and get on the ball.

“Connor Witherspoon (another midfielder) goes around breaking things up and I think the three of them will work really well together."