BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT slid to a 3-1 defeat in tonight’s eye-catching pre-season friendly at home to National League South opponents Chelmsford City.

All the goals came in the second half, with Mickey Spillane heading the Clarets ahead four minutes after the restart from a corner by Michael West.

Bostik League premier division side Regent produced an encouraging performance and equalised in the 71st minute through Aaron Condon.

Last season’s top scorer buried a low penalty, after the referee spotted a push on Tom Richardson.

However, the sides were not level for long and Chelmsford reclaimed their lead through Hugo Skepelhorn.

The striker latched onto Max Porter’s through ball – which was cleverly dummied by Lee Barnard – and coolly slotted past keeper Nick Punter.

Kane Haysman then added a late third for Chelmsford, sliding the ball home after a clever back-heel from Shaun Batt.

The match took place in pouring rain and was watched by a crowd of 157 at the newly-named Taydal Stadium.

Elsewhere, National League South side BRAINTREE TOWN eased to a 5-0 victory at Newmarket Town, of the Thurlow Nunn League.

Darnell Wynter and George Craddock netted in the first half, before second-half goals from Matt Baxter, Scott Shulton (penalty) and Michael Campbell.

MALDON AND TIPTREE had been due to host STANWAY ROVERS at Florence Park.

However, the match was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.