BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT boss James Webster has bolstered his squad with a versatile Conference South player.

Defender or midfielder TJ Amass has joined for the run-in, having signed on a dual registration basis from Chelmsford City.

Amass was a key player at Ryman League Heybridge Swifts but has found his opportunities limited since following manager Mark Hawkes from Scraley Road to the Clarets.

He has now signed for promotion-chasing Regent, who head to Kirkley & Pakefield tomorrow, hoping to bounce back from Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at CRC.

“We’ve got 13 games to play in five weeks and I thought it was important to add a fresh face to the squad,” said Webster.

“TJ has plenty of experience and another great thing is that he’s so versatile.

“He can play anywhere across the back four and also anywhere in midfield.”

It promises to be a key weekend at the top of the Thurlow Nunn League, with second-placed Felixstowe & Walton hosting leaders Hadleigh United.

Godmanchester Rovers and Gorleston, also challenging Brightlingsea for promotion, are also set to meet, at Bearscroft Farm.

“Points will be dropped, so hopefully we can take advantage,” said Webster, whose side dipped to fourth after Wednesday’s games.

“We’ve massively over-achieved this season and are still in the thick of the promotion race, but a result like the one the other night had been coming.

“Our performance levels have dipped in the last two or three games, but perhaps losing will galvanize us and help us get back on track.”

There is also plenty to play for at the foot of the premier division, where second-from-bottom WIVENHOE TOWN head to CRC.

The Dragons will be hoping to build on last weekend’s impressive victory against Kirkley.

FC CLACTON, also now in the drop zone, host Norwich United, while it will be a derby of sorts when BRANTHAM ATHLETIC entertain STANWAY ROVERS.

In division one, it’s HALSTEAD TOWN against Downham and BRAINTREE TOWN RESERVES head to Saffron Walden.