BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent manager James Webster believes his side’s punishing schedule is beginning to take its toll on his promotion-chasing players.

The R’s have another midweek Ryman League division north fixture tonight, when Soham Town Rangers make the long trip to North Road.

Anything other than a defeat will take Regent up to second in the table, above Thurrock.

Webster believes it is a huge achievement to be so high in the table, considering his side’s relentless Saturday-Tuesday schedule.

Brightlingsea have only had a couple of free midweeks all season and the first of those was back in early September.

“The relentless fixtures are beginning to catch up with us,” said Webster, whose team conceded a last-gasp equaliser in their 2-2 draw with Brentwood Town on Saturday.

“Saturday’s game wasn’t a classic and we looked very tired.

“We never got to the high tempo we like to play at and it was the same the previous Saturday, at Soham.

“It’ll be good to get back to just playing on a Saturday.

“We’ve barely had a midweek off and having more time between games will obviously help us in terms of planning, recovery and preparation.

“I ask so much of the players but it’s draining and relentless keeping up with this schedule.

“It’s tough on their bodies and we’ve only got a small squad, compared to some of the teams around us in the table.

“However, the players do their very best to be professional, both on and off the pitch, and deserve a lot of credit.

“There’s no time for a breather and that makes their achievements all the more impressive.

“I could never have imagined we’d be in this position at this stage of the season.

“We haven’t been playing very well but we’re still picking up points, which helps put some perspective on it.”

Meanwhile, Regent striker Phil Kelly needs two more goals to bring up his century for Brightlingsea.

The front man has scored 98 for the club and is a stalwart from their days in the Essex and Suffolk Border League.

He will be hoping to bring up the milestone as soon as possible - possibly, and ideally, with a brace tonight.

“Phil has stuck by me and the club for many years now, despite offers to go elsewhere,” said Webster.

“He comes up with moments of magic and is a very special and important player for us.”

Elsewhere tonight, HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS have a rescheduled match at home to Wroxham.

Swifts are fifth from bottom and their visitors second from bottom.

However, Swifts are ten points better off and have a game in hand.

Former FC Clacton boss David Coyle is part of the management team at Wroxham.