BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT 0

WROXHAM 1

Ryman League north division

IT may not be the most appropriate expression on a day when blustery conditions had such a major impact.

However, Brightlingsea had the wind well and truly taken out of their sails against the aptly-named Yachtsmen.

James Webster’s side went into today’s game knowing a positive result would lift them into the play-off zone.

They started in seventh spot, level on 73 points with AFC Hornchurch, in fifth, and sixth-placed Cheshunt.

And with neither of their main rivals in action, due to postponements, there was a clear opportunity to nudge into the top five.

Instead, Regent slumped to a defeat that could have major consequences on their play-off dream – especially as they face a huge test at Hornchurch on Saturday.

They still have four games left, though, and will be inspired by previous successes at the likes of high-flying AFC Sudbury, Cray Wanderers and Harlow Town.

Predictably, the strong wind had a massive bearing and it was blowing in the hosts’ favour during the first half.

As a result, Regent had far more possession but it was only in the latter stages that they went close to making it count.

Kieron Baker stretched to get a low shot on target – only to see it blocked by busy Yachtsmen keeper Elliott Pride.

Ricky Griggs, playing in a more advanced position than normal, then made space for himself but his right-foot shot flew just wide.

Skipper Matt Cripps had an effort shovelled off the line by a defender and Phil Kelly nodded agonisingly wide, after connecting with a missile throw from Josh Gould.

Regent were made to pay when they fell behind in the 71st minute.

The goal came against the run of play and was wind-assisted, as Tom Cullumbine’s cross curled and swirled its way into the net, deceiving Daniel Beeson.

The keeper could only help it into the net and was ‘credited’ with an own goal.

As damaging as the goal was to Regent, it was a major boost for a Wroxham side that started the day in 21st spot, fighting to avoid relegation alongside the likes of Heybridge Swifts.

Brightlingsea kept battling and Kelly saw a driven shot from an angle turned behind by Pride, who also kept out a Cripps header.

But it was not to be and hosts were left licking their wounds, reflecting on a costly defeat.