BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent assistant boss Tom Rothery has hailed the character and belief of his comeback kings.

However, he knows they cannot afford to keep giving sides a two-goal head start.

Play-off chasing Regent have stormed back from two-down to take points in their last three Ryman League matches.

Their most recent nail-biting success was Saturday’s division north victory against Cheshunt, where goals from Matt Cripps, Phil Kelly and Jake Turner earned them three precious points at North Road.

“(Manager) James (Webster) and I looked at each other and although we didn’t say anything, we were both thinking this could be a long afternoon,” said Rothery, who also saw his Regent team come from behind to win at Cray Wanderers and snatch a last-gasp draw against Thurrock.

“It’s a strange situation and we can’t be happy about the fact we keep going behind.

“It’s easy to put a positive spin on things when you win the game, but there has to be a ‘but’ when you keep giving sides such a head start.

“Equally, massive credit has to go to the boys for their character and belief.

“To come back in the manner we have, against the sides we’ve played, is very impressive and speaks volumes for the spirit in our camp.”