BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent hope to bounce back from a rare disappointment when they host Billericay Town in the Essex Senior Cup tonight.

The club's long, proud Ryman League division north unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday when they lost 4-3 at home to Phoenix Sports.

James Webster's men had not lost in ten league games - winning nine of them - but came unstuck in a high-scoring thriller at North Road on Saturday.

"It was really disappointing," said Webster, whose side are now third in the table, having been leapfrogged by Cheshunt - 3-1 conquerors of Heybridge Swifts on Saturday.

"We let ourselves down in the first half, with some very uncharacteristic defending, but a lot of credit must go to Phoenix.

"To put together such a long unbeaten run was a real achievement but it had to come to an end at some point.

"Now we must look to start another one."

Phil Kelly, Robbie Rees and Tom Richardson scored the Brightlingsea goals.

Regent play the second of four home games in a row when they welcome Billericay to North Road tonight.

The sides are set to meet in a fourth-round contest.

It promises to be a tough game for Regent, with their opponents sitting in mid-table in the Ryman League premier division and buoyed by an influx of new signings, including Luke Moore, Matthew Johnson and Danny Fitzsimons, who have all made the switch from Vanarama National League South side Margate.

Michael Bakare is a powerful, pacey striker who has also joined, on loan from National League side Wrexham.

Elsewhere tonight, WITHAM TOWN are in division north action at home to Phoenix.

Adam Flint's side drew 2-2 at Aveley on Saturday.