BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT were left frustrated by the woodwork after losing 2-1 at home to Margate on the opening day of the new Isthmian League Premier season.

A crowd of 202 was swelled by travelling support as spectators were allowed back to watch competitive football.

Regent fell behind after ten minutes when Finn O’Reilly was bundled over and Luke Carey scored from the edge of the penalty area.

Bennett’s lob came back off the post for Brightlingsea before the break while after half-time, Kane Gilbert’s effort rebounded off the post.

The woodwork was hit again through Khris Oti while the visitors then also hit the post, before Margate doubled their lead when Bancroft drove the ball into the net.

However, Regent were back in it two minutes later when Valter Rocha jinked through the defence and scored.

Lewis Byrne Hunt’s fierce shot crashed off the post before the end, as Regent were beaten.

MALDON AND TIPTREE played out a 1-1 draw at Soham Town Rangers, in their division one north opener.

Shomari Barnwell put the Jammers ahead just after the break but Cameron Watson equalised for the hosts, on the hour.

HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS’ season started with a defeat after they lost 2-1 at home to Histon.

Buster Harradine’s first-half brace gave the visitors a two-goal lead and although Chris Gregan pulled a goal back in the second half, it was not enough to prevent Stuart Nethercott’s side from falling to defeat.

WITHAM TOWN lost 7-0 at home to Hullbridge Sports, in their opening match of the season.

STANWAY ROVERS are still searching for their first win of the new Thurlow Nunn League premier division season after losing 3-2 at home to Wroxham.

Daniel Gilchrist and Max Sherlock scored Stanway’s goals, at the Hawthorns.

The result leaves Danny Slatter’s side 14th in the table.

In the same division, FC CLACTON lost 2-1 at Gorleston.

Chris Ribchester’s goal early in the second half was not enough to save the Seasiders from defeat.

WIVENHOE TOWN suffered heartbreak in the FA Vase first qualifying round after losing 4-2 on penalties at Colney Heath, after the tie had finished 0-0.

It was a similar story for HARWICH AND PARKESTON who lost 5-4 on penalties at home to Walthamstow after the game had finished 1-1.

Adam Hampson scored the Shrimpers goal.

LITTLE OAKLEY progressed after beating Stotfold 2-1 thanks to a last-gasp goal from Harry Mann, with Greg Rodger also netting.

And HOLLAND FC are also through to the next round after they beat Enfield 2-0.