BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent chairman Terry Doherty believes his club currently have their best-ever squad.

The North Road side are enjoying an explosive run of form and are unbeaten in their last 11 games.

They have won ten of them and, in their last eight fixtures, plundered an astonishing 34 goals.

Regent are now preparing to switch their attention back to the FA Trophy and a huge second qualifying round tie at home to Harlow Town.

Doherty is understandably upbeat about the way this season is panning out - and hopeful his side can progress on Saturday.

“It’s still early days and we’re trying to keep our feet on the ground,” said the Brightlingsea chairman.

“However, it’s impossible not to get excited and, for me, this is the strongest squad we’ve ever had.

“The players have really gelled and clicked and I’m not just saying that because of what we’ve achieved in the last 11 games.

“I also feel that way because of the young players coming through, which gives us all-round strength and depth.

“I’ve been so impressed and proud with the way the boys have played in the last seven or eight weeks.

“And as things stand right now, I’d be disappointed if we didn’t make the play-offs.

“Maldon and Tiptree are my tip for the title.

“They’re going to take some beating, but I certainly fancy us to finish in the top five.”

In addition to harbouring promotion hopes, Doherty would also love to see his club advance to the next round of the Trophy by defeating Harlow.

The Essex rivals are set to meet in a 3pm kick-off at North Road.

“We’re really looking forward to it,” said Doherty.

“It’s an exciting prospect and we’re expecting a bigger-than-normal crowd.

“We’re winning games and scoring goals, which bodes well.

“We’re also scoring from all over the pitch and not just relying on (strikers) Tom (Richardson), Aaron (Condon) and Phil (Kelly).

“It’s been incredible.

“We’re playing extremely well and look dangerous every time we attack.

“If we keep a tight ship at the back, we know we’ve always got a chance in every game and we go into this weekend feeling very confident, although knowing it’ll be a tough game.”

Doherty watched on as his Brightlingsea boys won 5-2 at Aveley on Monday, in the third round of the Essex Senior Cup.

Teenager Rob Harvey was in the starting line-up and boss James Webster brought on young substitutes Byron Hatch, Alex Taylor and Milo Downey.

“The young lads did extremely well,” said the Regent chairman.

“Byron, in particular, has been at the club since he was six or seven.

“He really has come through our youth system so to see him make his full debut was fantastic.” Regent will be holding a collection at Saturday’s game for the MS-UK Joseph’s Court facility, in Colchester.

It provides services to anyone suffering a neurological condition and is a big support to Regent fan John Sanderson, who has Cerebral Palsy.

John himself will be passing a bucket around and is keen to raise awareness, as well as cash.

Elsewhere, there’s a big Ryman League division north match at MALDON AND TIPTREE as the leaders entertain fellow high-fliers Bury Town.

Both sides have 34 points.

HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS will be hoping to build on their midweek Essex Senior Cup victory at Halstead Town when they head to AFC Hornchurch, while WITHAM TOWN are at home to Thamesmead Town.