BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT’S play-off charge gathered more pace thanks to a comprehensive 4-1 victory at home to Great Wakering Rovers.

Russell Malton, Josh Gould, Phil Kelly and Jake Clowsley were on target as James Webster’s side – who stay sixth in the north division - made it two big wins in five days, following Tuesday’s 4-0 success against Witham Town.

Wakering always knew they were in for a difficult afternoon against a buoyant Regent side that had won seven and lost just one of their previous ten Ryman League fixtures.

And a tricky task became even tougher following the third-minute sending-off of skipper Stuart Hepburn.

The centre-half was given his marching orders for an alleged stamp.

Undeterred in the early stages, Wakering took the lead in the 17th minute when Dan Gilchrist turned in James Pugsley’s cross.

However, the goal early served to put extra fire in Brightlingsea’s bellies and they were level two minutes later, thanks to an unstoppable effort from Malton.

Gould soon added the second with a towering header from Ricky Griggs’ corner.

And the first-half scoring was completed following a sublime left-wing cross from Clowsley that was excellently headed in at the far post by Kelly.

Clowsley deservedly added his name to the scoresheet midway through the second half, getting on the end of a right-wing cross before drilling past Adam Seal.

Wakering’s miserable afternoon was compounded in the closing stages when Max Kent was dismissed for a second booking.

Elsewhere in the north division, WITHAM TOWN pulled off a fantastic 2-1 victory at high-flying Thurrock.

Garry Kimble’s side had lost nine of their previous dozen games in all competitions and only won once since November 28.

However, Tom Cocklin’s 85th-minute penalty and a quick second from Nathan Koranteng put them 2-0 ahead.

David Cowley then pulled one back for Thurrock.

HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS were unfortunate to lose 2-1 at home to Harlow Town.

George Cole gave Jody Brown’s side a fifth-minute lead, but Leon Antoine popped up with a first-half leveller for the promotion-chasing Hawks.

Swifts, who had won their previous three league and cup games, looked on course for a point until conceding a 75th-minute penalty for handball that was converted by Alex Read.

MALDON & TIPTREE had a frustrating afternoon in their mid-table clash at home to Aveley.

Despite dominating, Steve Ball’s side missed chances and were held to a 0-0 draw.

It means they are unbeaten since December 19 and yet to lose since Ball’s appointment just after Christmas.