BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT returned to action after more than a fortnight without a game and, despite a battling performance, went down 2-1 at premier division leaders Dulwich Hamlet.

All the goals came in the first period, with Ashley Carew’s penalty on the half-hour mark swiftly followed by a second from the hosts’ Reise Allassani.

Ricky Griggs’ great run and strike just before half-time gave the R’s hope, but they were unable to get back on level terms in the second period.

Tom Rothery’s side must now switch their attention to another tough game on Tuesday night, at home to big-spending title-chasers Billericay Town.

WITHAM TOWN had to be content with a point after a 2-2 division north draw at Waltham Abbey.

Shad Ngandu put the hosts ahead but Elliott Ronto’s penalty, after Macauley Joynes had been sent off, made it all-square at the break.

Correy Davidson then popped up with a 72nd-minute goal for Adam Flint’s side.

However, Alex Anderson was sent off for Witham and Ngandu converted from the penalty spot to make it 2-2.

HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS came from behind to share the spoils with Bury Town, drawing 1-1.

Cemal Ramadan put the Suffolk side ahead two minutes into the second half but Jody Brown’s men levelled on the hour-mark through Kreshnic Krasniqi.

MALDON AND TIPTREE took the lead before losing 2-1 at fellow promotion-chasers Barking.

Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe’s 23rd-minute penalty put the Jammers in the driving seat but the hosts turned things round after the break thanks to Billy Jones and Kiernan Hughes-Mason.

Maldon’s Ryan Gondoh was given his marching orders four minutes from time.

The Jammers host AFC Sudbury on Tuesday night while Heybridge travel to Cheshunt.