BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent manager Tom Rothery felt his side “self-destructed” by conceding late goals and slipping to a 3-1 defeat at home to Thurrock.

Ronnie Winn put the visitors ahead in Saturday’s Bostik League premier division contest and although Billy Hunt levelled from the spot, Remi Sutton and Reece Cave netted in the 82nd and 87th minutes.

Rothery was generally happy with his side’s performance and felt there were plenty of positives.

However, he was disappointed with the goals conceded and felt his players were architects of their own downfall.

“I can’t help being frustrated because we did so many things well,” said the R’s boss.

“I thought the worst-case scenario was that it would finish 1-1.

“There were lots of positives but, ultimately, all the goals we gave away were poor.

“Thurrock’s second, especially, was sloppy because we had possession from our throw.

“But we gave the ball away and paid a heavy price.

“They were basic mistakes and we have to learn lessons and do better.

“We edged the first half and to go in at the break being behind was unjust.

“Then we worked hard to get back in the game before self-destructing in the last few minutes.

“Thurrock worked hard and battled, as I expected.

"Their shape caused us problems because they kept their forwards high up the pitch, effectively playing with three or even four front men at times.

“That made it hard for us but I felt we showed a bit more quality on the day.

“We looked the better side and more of a threat, having the better chances but without working their keeper as much as I would have liked.”

Regent now face back-to-back away games, at Staines Town on Tuesday and Enfield Town next Saturday.

Then come seven games during a hectic April, with five of them at the Taydal Stadium.

“Every match is tough in this division, so playing so many in quick succession makes it even harder,” he said.

“I expect the lads to be honest and work hard, though, and, to be fair, they did that again on Saturday.

“We played well and hopefully we can replicate that in our remaining nine league games.

“If so, and we cut out the mistakes, we’ll get more wins.

"It’s about staying positive, doing the right things and getting as many points as possible."

“The momentum we get from the end of the season will carry us into the next one, which is why it’s massively important to try and finish strongly, both in terms of results and performances.

“You’ve always got to look to improve.

"Football’s a tough game and if you stand still, you’re going backwards.”