BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT boss James Webster is on the lookout for a new goalkeeper.

Regular number one Ollie Bowles is nursing an ankle injury and unlikely to be fit for this weekend’s FA Trophy tie at Metropolitan Police.

Former Regent man Sam Cowler has stepped in for the last two games but is flying to China on Saturday.

“Ollie’s got ligament damage in his ankle, which he suffered in the game against VCD Athletic,” said Webster.

“We were fortunate Sam was able to step in before going out to China.

“He had been due to go sooner, but his flights got delayed a week so he was able to play on Saturday and Tuesday.

“I’ll be making some phone calls or praying Ollie recovers, but I don’t think there’s much chance of that. It’s a big blow.

“Ollie and I spoke on Tuesday and he’s not very hopeful for Saturday.

“It hasn’t recovered much and is still swollen.

“I’d love to be able to patch him up, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

Regent were held to a 2-2 draw at Heybridge Swifts, in Ryman League division north on Tuesday night.

They were two-up in 12 minutes, thanks to an early brace from Tom Richardson.

“We got off to a great start,” added Webster.

“The boys were nice and positive, knocking the ball around, playing some good football and they did everything we asked of them.

“But for some unknown reason, they decided to take their foot off the gas a bit.

“I don’t know why we stopped doing all the good things we were doing in the first 20 minutes.

“We let them have a sniff and allowed them back in the game.

“In the second half we huffed and puffed but weren’t able to break Heybridge down.

“I was disappointed and it felt a bit like a loss, because of the start we made.

“But in the grand scheme of things it could be a useful point from a tough midweek derby.”