BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent suffered a blow in their quest to reach the Ryman League play-offs.
James Webster’s side need to finish in the top five in the north division to be in with a chance, but lost 2-0 at fellow high-fliers AFC Hornchurch on Saturday.
The hosts’ first goal came from the penalty spot, converted by George Purcell, awarded for a push by Josh Gould.
David Knight then added a second shortly afterwards to make the points safe.
Regent sit seventh and three points behind Hornchurch.
However, both Hornchurch and sixth-placed Cheshunt have a game in hand.
It means that realistically, Brightlingsea need to win their remaining three games to stand any chance – starting with Saturday’s home match against Aveley.
They then host Barkingside on Saturday week, before finishing with a trip to Thamesmead Town on April 23.
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