BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent slid to defeat in their first home match of the new BetVictor Isthmian League season.

Tom Rothery’s men lost 4-2 to premier division new-boys Bowers and Pitsea.

Jordan Barnett and Romario Dunne scored their goals while Billy Hunt missed a penalty on an eventful but disappointing night at the Taydal Stadium.

Regent, hoping to build on Saturday’s opening-day stalemate at Margate, fell behind midway through the first half after a penalty by David Knight.

The striker, Bowers’ 36-goal hero during last term’s division north championship-winning campaign, slotted home from the spot after being fouled by keeper Charlie Turner.

It looked like it might be the only goal of the half but the R’s restored parity in the last few seconds thanks to a precision finish from Barnett.

Pip Boyland teed him up on the edge of the box and the midfielder squeezed home a low shot to make it all-square at the break.

The game exploded into life early in the second half with key moments at either end.

First, Regent striker Hunt had a low penalty saved by keeper Callum Chafer.

Play then switched to the other end and Ben Sartain curled an excellent effort past Turner.

It was a body-blow for Regent and worse followed when Lewis Manor slammed home a close-range third in the 72nd minute.

Bowers' fourth was another penalty, this time buried by Bradley Warner.

Brightlingsea notched the final goal of the night, scored by summer signing Romario Dunne.