BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT boss James Webster was delighted with his side’s timely clean sheet in Tuesday’s 1-0 victory against Wingate and Finchley.

It was the R’s first win in five league and cup outings and followed heavy defeats against the likes of Billericay Town and AFC Sudbury.

Tom Richardson scored their winner just before the hour-mark but it was the clean sheet that put a smile on Webster’s face.

“That was the most pleasing thing,” said the Regent boss.

“It was huge and will give us confidence going into our next match. We haven’t been playing badly but we’ve been conceding soft goals, especially away from home.

“At this level, you have to give yourself a chance and still be in the game at half-time, but at both Merstham and Dorking we found ourselves 3-1 down.

“We reacted both times and were unlucky not to get something at the weekend, but it was too late by then.

“We’ve been working hard on it and our set-piece defending was outstanding on Tuesday.

“The boys put their bodies on the line and were so solid.

“As a back four, they’ve have come in for a bit of criticism lately but they’ve responded positively.

“They wanted a clean sheet – that was evident from the start, because of how hard they were working – and how pleasing that they were rewarded.”

Richardson’s winner was a clinical finish.

After connecting with a through ball, the striker prodded it past the onrushing goalkeeper before lashing into an empty net.

“Wingate are third in the table but we created so many chances,” added Webster.

“We managed the game well and I don’t remember any spells when I thought we might be trouble.”

“We were solid and they never opened us up.

“It could have been more comfortable.

“Wingate’s keeper made some very good saves and we hit the bar.

“There were lots of good performances.

“We were always composed and we didn’t rush anything or look under pressure.”