FORMER Colchester United youngster George Keys gave BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT a dream start in their pre-season friendly against an Ipswich Town XI – only for the Blues to hit back and run out 3-1 winners.

Defender Keys signed for the club on a permanent basis last week after being released by the U’s, having previously impressed on loan at the Taydal Stadium.

He celebrated with a goal in the seventh minute of Saturday’s contest, controlling a ball into the box before volleying home with the aid of a deflection.

It was no more than Regent deserved based on their play in the early stages, going close through Darren Mills, Billy Hunt and Harvey Hodd.

But Ipswich’s youngsters levelled at the end of the first half, when Jack Lancaster showed great footwork before firing past former FC Clacton goalkeeper Aaron Smyth.

Town then made the game safe with two goals early in the second half.

First, Lancaster capitalised on a slide-rule pass before coolly slotting home.

Armando Dobra then fired home the Blues’ third.

It was an excellent work-out for both teams, who produced some eye-catching football in the hot conditions.

And the watching scouts – representatives from four league clubs were thought to have been in attendance – will presumably have been impressed.

Brightlingsea’s new recruits showed up well.

Former Stowmarket Town wing-back Amar Lewis got through plenty of work on the right-hand side, Hodd looked sharp in midfield and ex-Leiston striker Mills showed his willingness to graft, with the makings of an encouraging attacking partnership with Hunt.

Regent were missing key personnel, including keeper James Bradbrook, skipper Matt Cripps, defender Josh Gould and midfielder Jake Turner.

Elsewhere, there were several other pre-season friendlies on Saturday afternoon.

HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS enjoyed a convincing 5-1 victory at Welling Town.

Matt Price scored two of their goals.

Thurlow Nunn League neighbours LITTLE OAKLEY and FC CLACTON met at the Memorial Ground and it was the Seasiders who netted late on for a 2-1 victory.

Luke Mayhew put the Acorns ahead but second-half goals from Karl Andrade, from the penalty spot, and Jack Clampin tipped the scales in Clacton’s favour.

Down the road at Harwich and Parkeston’s Royal Oak ground, BRANTHAM ATHLETIC drew at home to Aveley.

Jack Newman’s volley put them ahead and after the visitors scored twice to take the lead, Michael Brothers netted to secure a 2-2 draw.

Harwich, looking forward to step six football again next season, were on the road at Needham Market Reserves.

Jordan Heath scored twice in a 4-0 victory, with the other goals coming from Luke Barnard and Pedro Tarling.

Brightlingsea’s reserves, who will play in Thurlow Nunn League division one south next season, drew 2-2 with Haverhill Borough.

Richard Meadows and Konnor Oughton scored their goals.