LUKE Read netted twice as Brightlingsea Regent ran out 4-1 winners at home to Ryman League north division basement boys Waltham Abbey tonight.

The attacking midfielder broke the deadlock with a looping effort and then slotted home the second, after a slick move down the left and great pass from Phil Kelly.

Kelly himself added a third just before half-time, after working space for himself with a brilliant turn.

Russell Malton netted with a long-range screamer just before the hour-mark, before Abbey grabbed their consolation through Jack Daveney, on 79 minutes.

In addition to their goals, Regent went close on other occasions, especially during a one-sided first half.

Kelly headed just wide from a corner and Shamido Pedula saw a driven effort clatter against the Abbey bar.

The latter also saw an effort blocked by the visitors’ keeper, after a defence-splitting pass from Matt Cripps.

James Webster’s Brightlingsea side are now up to eighth in the table and just three points adrift of the play-offs and fifth-placed Tilbury.