BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent bowed out of the FA Trophy tonight after a 4-1 defeat at home to Thamesmead Town.

The sides were meeting in a preliminary-round replay, after drawing 1-1 at Bayliss Avenue on Saturday.

With a home tie against Ramsgate – weekend conquerors of Maldon & Tiptree – awaiting the winners, it was Thamesmead who broke the deadlock on 32 minutes.

Theo Fairweather-Johnson volleyed them in front after a misplaced header from the Regent defence.

Brightlingsea made a dream start to the second half and were level within ten minutes of the restart.

Luke Read applied the finishing touch from close range to restore parity for James Webster’s side.

However, the visitors quickly regained their foothold when skipper Richard Butler put his side back in front on 58 minutes.

Regent’s task became even harder in the latter stages, when Fairweather Johnson worked space for himself and slotted home Thamesmead’s third.

The final nail in the coffin came in the last few seconds, when Butler converted from the penalty spot after a foul by Ricky Griggs.

The defeat was Brightlingsea’s first in six league and cup outings and they will aim to get back on track in Saturday’s Ryman League north division match at home to Soham Town Rangers.