MANAGER Tom Rothery believes new signing Louie Newland will bring quality and experience to his Brightlingsea Regent midfield.

The 29-year-old has joined from Thurlow Nunn League neighbours FC Clacton and is expected to be in the R’s squad for tonight’s Bostik League premier division clash at home to Burgess Hill Town.

He has become Rothery’s fourth signing, following in the footsteps of Jake Turner, Sam Ashford and Jack Newman.

And the Taydal Stadium boss says Newland will add depth and competition for places within his young Regent squad.

“I’ve watched and played against Louie and always thought that technically he’s a very good player - somebody who gets hold of the ball and shows quality with his range of passing,” said Rothery.

“I feel we need a little more experience in the squad so he fits in in that respect, too.

“He’s a good lad and knows some of the players already.

“He’ll fit in well and add depth and competition to the squad.

“Having spoken to Louie, he sees this as an opportunity to step up to this level and show what he can do.

“He’s hungry to be part of it and has shown the desire I want from my players.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what he brings to the team.”

Newland has been nursing a slight hamstring strain and is unlikely to be in tonight’s starting line-up.

However, he took part in the warm-up prior to Saturday’s 2-1 defeat against Folkestone Invicta and, assuming there has been no adverse reaction, he should be in the R’s squad.

Regent suffered late heartache against visiting Folkestone on Saturday.

They had looked set for a share of the points as Matt Cripps’ 52nd-minute strike had levelled an opener by Sam Hasler.

However, they were denied a point when Adam Yusuff fired in a 90th-minute penalty to hand victory to the Kent side.

Elsewhere tonight, in-form division north side MALDON AND TIPTREE are away to Potters Bar Town.

The Jammers moved up to seventh after a 3-1 win at Soham Town Rangers on Saturday.

It was a result that extended their unbeaten league run to ten games.

Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe gave them the perfect start with an opener in the fourth minute.

However, Soham pegged them back at half-time as Jon Kaye levelled in the 41st minute.

It took Maldon until the latter stages to regain their lead but an 83rd-minute Chris Millar strike and a 90th-minute penalty by Ogedi-Uzokwe made it 3-1.

In the Thurlow Nunn League, there are key games for both COGGESHALL TOWN and BRANTHAM ATHLETIC tonight.

The Seedgrowers, who are third in the table and won 2-1 at second-placed Stowmarket Town on Saturday, head to Haverhill Rovers.

Brantham, meanwhile, have a home date with neighbours Hadleigh United.

The Imps will be hoping to bounce back from a 2-1 reverse at Ely City on Saturday.

“It was a reminder of what hard work and attitude gives you and, unfortunately for us, it was Ely who deservedly took the points,” said joint-manager Matt Carmichael.

“Now it’s time to regroup and go again on Tuesday.”