BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT staged a thrilling late fightback to stun title-chasing Staines Town, drawing 2-2 at the Taydal Stadium.

Both of the visitors’ goals came in the first half of the Bostik League premier division contest, scored by Tyrell Miller-Rodney and Elliot Buchanan.

The first came after a deep cross was not properly cleared, while the second was a header.

Ricky Griggs halved the deficit on 70 minutes, cutting inside and firing a peach of a shot into the top corner.

And Aaron Condon grabbed a thunderbolt last-gasp leveller to earn a deserved share of the spoils for the R’s.

Condon was then sent off for his celebrations afterwards.

Tom Rothery’s side are in midweek action, when they cross the Kent border to play Margate.

WITHAM TOWN powered to an impressive victory at home to AFC Sudbury.

Adam Flint’s side ran out 4-0 winners in the division north contest – with three of their goals coming in the first half.

The Village Glass Stadium side started like an express train with a trio of goals in the opening 23 minutes.

Correy Davidson set them on the road to victory and it was swiftly followed by a second from Thomas Robinson.

Kofi Gyebi notched the third three minutes later before Shamido Pedulu’s late fourth completed a heartening victory heading into the pivotal Christmas period.

After a profitable November, it was Witham’s first won of what had previously been a frustrating December.

Division north neighbours MALDON AND TIPTREE had no scheduled fixture and return to action at home to Grays Athletic on Tuesday night.