BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent manager Tom Rothery insists "things must change" as the club strive to ignite their campaign.

The R's have won two, drawn two and lost three of their opening seven BetVictor Isthmian League premier division matches, most recently crashing to a 4-0 defeat at home to Horsham on Saturday.

They have also been eliminated from the FA Cup after an unfortunate, last-gasp defeat at Cheshunt.

Rothery says he and his players are working tirelessly and trying everything possible to find a level of consistency.

However, he admits he is also looking to freshen up his squad and hopes to announce a new signing soon.

"Things must change," he said.

"We have certain expectations and, at the moment, as a team, we're not doing enough.

"I need more from the boys and I'm trying my hardest to freshen the squad up.

"I'm looking to bring in a forward but it's proving far from easy.

"The bottom line is that we're not doing enough in the final third and our goals for column reflects that.

"We're not scoring enough goals but it's not for the want of trying.

"We're training hard and trying different things, in terms of shape and personnel.

"However, we're looking toothless at the moment and it's a concern.

"It'll turn at some point because that's football but it's a case of working out what we can do to speed the process up.

"At the moment it feels like two steps forward and three back."

Regent found themselves two-down in double-quick time during Saturday's match against Horsham at the Taydal Stadium.

The Sussex side than added two more goals either side of the break.

"Ironically, Saturday was probably the liveliest we've looked up front but, at the other end, we just collapsed," added Rothery.

"Normally we're so strong and consistent at the back.

"It's one of our strengths but, on this occasion, the goals we conceded were calamitous.

"I can't legislate for it.

"Maybe the fact we're not scoring enough goals is putting pressure on other areas.

"I understand that to a point but we can't feel sorry for ourselves.

"We've kept four clean sheets in seven league games - and in the other three we've conceded 13 goals.

"That says it all and demonstrates our inconsistency in terms of performances and workrate.

"Horsham were excellent and moved the ball very well.

"To only lose by four goals flattered us because they were far superior on the day, in terms of their workrate as a team.

"Credit where it's due, although it's tough to take and admit to."

Regent head to East Thurrock United on Saturday before back-to-back home games against Lewes (September 28) and Enfield Town (October 1).