BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent midfielder James Love is itching to get back in action and hopes to play his part in a hectic final month of the season.

The former Brentwood Town man suffered a groin injury and had to be substituted in the recent Bostik League premier division match against Thurrock.

It forced him to miss the club's Easter programme - Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Enfield Town and Monday's 2-0 success at home to Lowestoft Town.

However, he is closing in on a comeback.

He could be on the bench for tonight's eagerly-awaited home showdown against title-chasing Billericay Town and is likely to be available for Saturday's date with Harrow Borough, also at the Taydal Stadium.

“It’s a frustrating injury and one I picked up at Burgess Hill," said Love.

“It felt uncomfortable and I couldn’t train properly on the Tuesday night.

“I saw Rob Earle, our physio, before the game against Thurrock and we both thought it would be OK.

“I gave it a go but unfortunately it still didn’t feel right.

“I couldn’t sprint properly or strike through the ball.

"It was frustrating to then miss last weekend's games because I’d been happy with my performances and wanted to keep playing.

“I was away travelling for a couple of years before coming here so didn’t really play any competitive football.

“I pretty much joined straight after getting off the plane.

“It took me a while to get back to the fitness levels I needed but I felt I was back there, until this frustrating little injury."

Love previously played for Brentwood, helping them win a play-off final, and also enjoyed success with AFC Hornchurch, gaining promotion and winning the Essex Senior Cup.

He joined Regent this season and says he has thoroughly enjoyed his time at the Taydal Stadium.

“I’ve loved it here," he said.

“From the second I joined, everyone has made me feel really welcome.

“I get on well with all the boys and (manager) Tom (Rothery) and (assistant boss) Pip (Boyland).

“The fans are great, too, and it’s just a really fantastic, well-run club.

“Everyone pitches in and gets involved.

“There are lots of volunteers, which you need at this level of football, and for the club to be playing step three football is a testament to everyone here.

“I’ve played in several different positions throughout the season but as long as I’m playing, I’m happy and enjoying myself.

“I missed my football while I was away in Australia.

“I played a bit while I was out there but the standard was nowhere near as good as here.

“It wasn’t exactly Sunday League but it wasn’t on a par with the semi-professional football I’d played here in England."

Top-scorer Billy Hunt was the two-goal hero as Brightlingsea ran out 2-0 winners at home to Lowestoft on Monday.

His first came in the 12th minute and the second, from the penalty spot, followed in the 90th.

Regent, who lost by the same at Enfield on Saturday, have another home game next Tuesday, against Leatherhead.