BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent have completed the signing of former Stanway Rovers defender Joss Neale.

The 25-year-old goes straight into the squad for tomorrow's rearranged Tolleshunt D'Arcy Memorial Cup semi-final at home to Springfield.

Neale, 25, was previously with Harwich and Parkeston and played at Stanway alongside R's assistant manager Pip Boyland.

“Pip mentioned to me that Joss was returning and that he’d be a really good addition for us," said Regent boss Tom Rothery, who watched his side stage a thrilling comeback to draw 2-2 with Bostik League title contenders Dulwich Hamlet on Saturday.

"He’s a strong, aggressive centre-half and he'll add depth to our squad.

"With injuries and departures, I’ve been looking to get somebody else in and I think it’s a good move for us and Joss.

"He now has the final seven weeks of the season to get back into football and help us finish as high as we can in the table.”

Tomorrow's match is an 8pm kick-off at the Taydal Stadium.

The other semi-final, between Wivenhoe Town and FC Clacton, is due to take place at the GMP Plant Hire Stadium next Wednesday (March 21).