BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent striker Tom Richardson says he and Aaron Condon and relishing their duel to be top R’s scorer.

The former Brentwood Town man took his tally to 22 for the season after netting in Saturday’s 1-0 victory against Maldon and Tiptree.

Condon joined Regent in the summer, stepping up from FC Clacton, and has so far plundered an astonishing 29 goals.

The pair plan to continue their prolific ways until the end of the season – and hope to score the goals that inspire another promotion.

Regent are second in Ryman League division north and now just three points behind Maldon.

“It was a great game to score in,” said Richardson.

“I remember getting a flick on the throw, looking over my shoulder and seeing the ball in the back of the net.

“The next few seconds after that are a blur. You lose yourself, celebrating with the fans.

“It was my 22nd of the season – a tally I’m very proud of – but I’m still seven behind Azza.

“We’re very much enjoying our little battle to finish as top scorer.

“We laugh and joke about it all the time. I’ve been reminding him this week that I’m hot on his heels.

“It’s exciting and gives us extra motivation and it’s good for the club, too.”

Regent have two games in hand on Maldon, although Richardson insists there is a long way to go in the title race and is not discounting either Thurrock or AFC Hornchurch.

“It’s a cliché but we have to build on this victory,” he said.

“There’s no point beating the league leaders and then losing to a mid-table side the week after.

“We enjoyed our victory after the Maldon game, but as soon as we came in for training on Tuesday it was a case of getting our heads down and forgetting about Saturday.

“People billed last week’s game as a title decider but that’s nonsense.

“It was a big game but there are still so many points to play for, not to mention the fact that it’s far from a two-horse race.

“Thurrock and Hornchurch are still in the mix and so are the sides just below them.

“People will be hoping we slip up, so it’s down to us to see the next few games out.

“It’s a different mindset, because we’ve gone from being the chasers to one of the sides others want to catch.”

Richardson felt last week’s precious victory – watched by more than 250 people – was a great advert for both his club and the Ryman League.

“We managed to see the game out and hold on for victory, which was really pleasing because while we score a lot of goals, we don’t keep many clean sheets,” he said.

“What better game to keep one in than a vital match against the league leaders?

“North Road was absolutely rocking and our supporters were different class.

“They made it a very special experience and it was a great advert for Brightlingsea Regent.

“Look where the club was five years ago.

“Now we’re challenging for another promotion and all credit has to go to the manager and people behind the scenes.

“As players, we go on the pitch and try and produce the goods, but people don’t see the hours of work the committee and volunteers put in.

“That’s what this club is all about and it’s a pleasure being a Regent player.”

Meanwhile, Brightlingsea boss James Webster has been named division north manager-of-the-month for January.

He also won the award in November.

Regent won five and drew two of their seven matches last month.

Brightlingsea wide man Jake Clowsley has rejoined Clacton on a one-month loan and will hope to feature in Saturday’s Thurlow Nunn League premier division match at home to Gorleston.