BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT manager James Webster has hailed the impact of super-subs Tom Richardson and Rob Harvey.

The pair played a pivotal role in Saturday's dramatic Bostik League premier division match at Merstham.

The R’s were 3-1 down with ten minutes left – only for Richardson to step off the bench, score twice and salvage a 3-3 draw.

"It's great that Tom is finally over his injury and back among the goals," said Webster.

"He's a massive player for us and a real handful for any back four.

"Rob was also an absolute game-changer for us on Saturday.

"I honestly haven't worked with a young player with such a top attitude before."

It was a thrilling end to a dramatic contest and especially pleasing for Richardson, who has been struggling with a back injury but made his comeback as a substitute in last Tuesday’s 4-0 defeat at Billericay Town.

Regent assistant boss Chris Smith admitted his side "got out of jail", though.

"We were truly awful for 45 minutes and second-best everywhere," he said.

"(Goalkeeper) Sam Cowler kept us in it until we woke up for the last quarter of an hour.

"The three subs changed the course of the game, especially Tom and young Rob Harvey.

"We got out of jail, though."

Brightlingsea, who have a premier division fixture at Dorking on Saturday, have a Velocity Cup first-round tie at AFC Sudbury tonight.

Elsewhere in the competition, MALDON AND TIPTREE host Leiston while WITHAM TOWN travel to Soham Town Rangers.

HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS had been due to entertain Mildenhall Town but that tie will now have to be rescheduled because Swifts have an FA Cup replay against Metropolitan Police.