BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent player-coach Pip Boyland is looking forward to studying next season's fixtures when they are released today.

The R's are preparing for their maiden campaign in the Bostik League premier division, with their opening match scheduled for August 12.

Later today they will discover who they play in their first-ever match at step three level.

“We can’t wait," said former Stanway Rovers man Boyland.

"There’s been a good feeling around the club during pre-season and people have been putting shifts in, showing their commitment.

“We really want to do well, to keep pushing on, and we're looking forward to seeing the fixtures.

"It’ll certainly be interesting to see who we’ve got and when.

“Things will start to take shape then and I honestly think we’ll do alright next season.

“We’ll hold our own and teams won’t be used to coming to grounds like ours.

“We’ll catch a few teams out.

“Some will go into matches thinking we’re going to be a walkover but if they’ve got anything about them, they’ll look at our results and see what we did last season and think we could be a force to be reckoned with.

“We’ve just got to keep doing what we’re doing because we can only concentrate on ourselves.

“If we do that, I’m sure we’ll be absolutely fine."

Regent slid to a 3-1 defeat in Tuesday's eye-catching pre-season friendly at home to National League South opponents Chelmsford City.

All the goals came in the second half, with Mickey Spillane heading the Clarets ahead four minutes after the restart from a corner by Michael West.

Regent produced an encouraging performance and equalised in the 71st minute through Aaron Condon.

Last season’s top scorer buried a low penalty, after the referee spotted a push on Tom Richardson.

However, the sides were not level for long and Chelmsford reclaimed their lead through Hugo Skepelhorn.

The striker latched onto Max Porter’s through ball – which was cleverly dummied by Lee Barnard – and coolly slotted past keeper Nick Punter.

Kane Haysman then added a late third for Chelmsford, sliding the ball home after a clever back-heel from Shaun Batt.

The match took place in pouring rain and was watched by a crowd of 157 at the newly-named Taydal Stadium.

“I loved it and it was a really good test for the boys," added Boyland.

“Chelmsford are a very good side so it showed the level of quality we’ve got here.

“We battled and battled and certainly gave a good account of themselves.

“It took a whole team of substitutes to come on and make a difference for them.

“They needed a bit of quality to break us down but it was a good warm-up for us."

Regent's head to Long Melford tomorrow night before playing FC Clacton at Strangers Corner, in Brightlingsea, on Monday night.