BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent moved level with Ryman League division north leaders Maldon and Tiptree after a 5-0 victory at home to Ware tonight.

Both Essex sides now have 75 points, but the Jammers remain in the driving seat courtesy of a superior goal difference. Regent have played one game less, though.

Billy Hunt marked his debut with a hat-trick – opening his account with his first touch after just two minutes – and Tom Richardson added a third to take his season tally to 23.

Substitute Phil Kelly slotted the fourth within seconds of stepping off the bench before Hunt completed his treble nine minutes from time.

Regent made three changes from Saturday’s 3-1 victory against Aveley, with Ricky Griggs, Connor Hogan and Hunt replacing Josh Gould, Jake Turner and Phil Kelly.

New signing Hogan was making his full debut after appearing as a second-half substitute at the weekend.

Three of the goals came in the first half and it was the hosts who made a dream start.

Keeper Sam Cowler pumped the ball forward and Hunt – a recent recruit from Stanway Rovers – muscled goal-side of the last defender before coolly steering the ball beyond shot-stopper Darren Behcet.

It was his first touch in a Regent shirt, having signed early last week but not been able to play in Saturday’s 3-1 victory against Aveley.

James Webster’s side effectively killed the contest with two goals in as many minutes, late in the first period.

First, Hunt rose to nod home a pinpoint corner from top-scorer Aaron Condon.

Then Condon’s corner from the opposite side of the pitch was turned in from close range by Richardson.

It was unclear whether the ball had crossed the line but the goal was given by the referee’s assistant.

The fourth goal followed on 74 minutes.

Long-serving Kelly, who had only just come on, notched his 99th for the club with a cool finish after a lovely pass from Robbie Rees.

Hunt then wrapped up his treble after latching onto Kelly's ball over the top and being given time to fire an unstoppable shot beyond Behcet.

Regent’s success continued their glorious run of form.

They are unbeaten in a dozen matches, since a 3-2 defeat at Dereham Town on Boxing Day.

They have won ten games in that time, drawing twice, and have not lost in eight matches at North Road.

Ironically, Brightlingsea play Ware again on Saturday.

Their other game in hand on Maldon is next Tuesday, at home to Soham Town Rangers.

Elsewhere last night, WITHAM TOWN returned to winning ways with a 3-0 victory at VCD Athletic.

Max Bradford gave them a fourth-minute lead before second-half goals from Lance Akins and Scott Kemp.