Brightlingsea have a bright day at the Lane.

Cup exit for the Pedlars

A fine game for spectating on a crisp but dry spring afternoon.Visitors, Brightlingsea Regent started strong and outplayed the Pedlars in the opening period, Swaffham not making the most of opportunities.The home defence soaked up early pressure from a couple of corners, Loui Hockton heading clear, good work by Matthew Parkinson to scramble the ball away from the box.Good play between Alex Vincent and Jackson driving goalward saw Vincents effort sail over the bar.Rory Harper came close breaking through the defence, his shot narrowly passing the post.Lee Woolmore came on for injured Dwayne Hockton in the 36th minute.Brightlingsea wound up the tempo and pressure in the closing minutes of the half, Parkinson clearing a ferocious strike off the line.The visitors forced a corner in the39th minute, the cross headed back, the centre forward knocking in from 8 yards. The Pedlars countered from the restart, Captain Dean Miller heading wide from a Jack Redhead corner. The visitors increased the lead on the stroke of half time, beating the Swaffham defence, the number 11 slotting past Scott Cruickshank.
The second half, much like the first saw chances arise and opportunities missing the mark.Cruickshank keeping the Pedlars in the game and giving a glimmer of light, an outstanding save from a Brightlingsea free kick, going to ground pushing the ball around his right hand post.The Swaffham strike force unable to find the target despite picking up their play and taking the game to Regent. The damage was done in the latter part of the first half, the visitors taking the earlier initiative and doing the job that they needed to do. A lesson for Paul Hunt's squad, one which I am sure they will take on board and remember for future.The Pedlars will meet Brightlingsea at home for a final time this season, 13April. A chance to balance the books for league points and show the Essex visitors how the Town can play!

Next Thursday the Under 18's are in action at home to Newmarket Town, kick off 7.45pm.
Saturday the 1st Team return to League action, bottom of the table Cornard United visiting Shoemakers Lane, kick off 3pm.? The Reserves are away to UEA, kick off 2.30pm, the 'A' Team travel to North Elmham