BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT climbed out of the relegation zone after pocketing a precious 2-1 victory against Corinthian Casuals.

It was their first BetVictor Isthmian League premier division success since August and their first since Kem Izzet took over at the Taydal Stadium.

New recruit Lewis Hewitt put them ahead just after the half-hour mark and although Nathaniel Pinney levelled in the second period, assistant boss Pip Boyland quickly restored Regent's lead.

It was a vitally important win that hoisted them up to fourth from bottom in the table.

There were some new faces in the squad, with four new signings confirmed on Saturday morning.

Goalkeeper Jake Jessup has joined from Cambridge City and went straight into the starting line-up, replacing the suspended Charlie Turner.

Joe Maybanks has returned to the club, having previously played for Stanway Rovers.

Goalscorer Hewitt has arrived from Witham Town while Samuel Coombes, another drafted straight into the starting line-up, has joined from Maldon and Tiptree.

Elsewhere, Charlee Hughes hit a late winner as division north leaders MALDON AND TIPTREE won 1-0 at Hullbridge Sports.

COGGESHALL TOWN drew 0-0 at play-off rivals Grays Athletic while fourth-placed HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS slipped to a 3-2 defeat at home to Canvey Island.

Jordan Cox and Alex Teniola were on target for Karl Duguid's side.

WITHAM TOWN celebrated an eye-catching 3-1 victory at Basildon United.

Scott Kemp gave them a dream start with a goal after four minutes.

Basildon soon levelled but Marc Benterman's men finished strongly, with two goals in the last nine minutes from Marcus Bowers and Kemp again.