BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent manager James Webster hailed long-serving defender Josh Gould for his heroics in Saturday’s 1-0 victory against Bury Town.

The centre-half stood out in a makeshift back four that was missing regular trio Matt Cripps (suspended), Ricky Griggs (injured) and Russell Malton (unavailable).

He inspired his side to a hard-earned clean sheet and Aaron Condon’s second-half winner – combined with second-placed Maldon and Tiptree losing 1-0 at home to Brentwood Town – means Regent now have a nine-point lead at the top of Ryman League division north, heading into this weekend’s match at Haringey Borough.

“We never make a big thing of injuries but it was definitely a patched up back four on Saturday,” said Webster.

“But I thought they were excellent, especially Josh Gould.

“He didn’t lose a header all game.

“He’s the only one who’s been in that defence consistently this season and it felt like he really stepped up and led by example.

“I was really pleased for him.

“Pip Boyland has also made a big difference, in terms of his talking and organising.

“We’ve got a relatively young team and he says the right things to them.

“Being a coach himself obviously helps because he’s giving them the right information.

“It’s good to have that extra voice on the pitch, in addition to those from the sidelines.”

In addition to Brightlingsea winning and Maldon losing, third-placed AFC Hornchurch could only draw with Wroxham while fourth-placed Thurrock lost at Soham Town Rangers.

“We certainly didn’t expect those other results and, on paper, we thought we had the toughest match,” added Webster.

“I thought it was a bit tense out there.

“You go into the dressing room before the game and it doesn’t feel like the players are under pressure.

“But when the game started it seemed everyone was a bit nervy.

“We didn’t play a lot of football and it wasn’t one for the purists. It was like watching Stoke versus Stoke.

“The wind played a part but, in all honesty, it doesn’t matter how we win at this stage of the season.

“It’s just about getting points on the board.

“I always felt we’d get a chance, if we could keep it nice and solid at the back.”

HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS, 19th in division north, are back in action tonight when they travel to fourth-placed Thurrock.