BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent midfielder Connor Witherspoon says he and his team-mates are relishing their position at the Ryman League summit.

The R’s went top of division north following last weekend’s 3-0 win at Ware, allied to previous pacesetters Maldon and Tiptree losing at Bury Town.

They then moved six points clear as a result of Tuesday’s 3-1 victory against Soham Town Rangers, at North Road.

It means Regent are in pole position for the title, heading into tomorrow’s big game at home to fellow promotion-chasers Thurrock.

However, Witherspoon says the players are not fazed by their lofty perch and do not feel under added pressure.

“If anything, it’s more enjoyable because it’s in our hands,” said the former Brentwood Town and East Thurrock man.

“We know that if we keep winning, we’ll win the league.

“We’re going to enjoy the rest of the season, whether we finish top or in the play-offs, and it’s a great position to be in.

“Brightlingsea aren’t a huge club – we’re not a Maldon, Hornchurch or Thurrock.

“To therefore be doing what we’re doing is absolutely outstanding and it’s a great experience for the lads.

“We’ve also got a young squad and if we stick together, we’re going to continue going places.

“It was a great result in the week, especially after going down to ten men so early on (following the tenth-minute sending-off of skipper Matt Cripps).

“It was a big statement and hopefully now we can push on and keep the unbeaten run going.

“We all knew that getting the three points and going six points clear would be massive and we worked hard as a team to grind out the points.

“Scoring so soon after the red card helped settle us down and afterwards the manager said it could prove our biggest win of the season.

“That’s because we showed so much fight and desire.

“We worked hard for each other against a difficult side – a side scrapping to stay up and a team that were better than us when we went to their place and drew 2-2.”

Witherspoon, who joined the club last summer, moved back from midfield into defence, following Cripps’ dismissal.

And while admitting he prefers playing further up the pitch, he says he is happy to fill in as and where needed.

“I used to play in defence when I was younger but then moved into midfield and have stayed there ever since,” said the 22-year-old.

“I’ve dropped back three or four times this season, though, and although it’s not my favoured position, you just do what’s needed for the team.

“My dad thinks I should play in defence so he would have enjoyed the other night!

“I’m happy to play anywhere if it helps the team and I’m really enjoying this season.

“Last year was a bit of a nightmare for me.

“I moved to a couple of clubs and it didn’t really work out, but I’ve loved every second of my time at Brightlingsea.

“I’ve known (Regent assistant boss) Chris Smith for years now, since I was playing for Brentwood’s under-18s.

“He gave me a call and said to come along, get playing again and get back in the rhythm.

“I did that and really love it.

“I wouldn’t travel here from Brentwood two or three times a week if I didn’t enjoy it and it wasn’t a good club to come to. The management and fans are great and everything about the place is really enjoyable.”