BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent kicked-off with a point on the road after drawing 0-0 at Margate, in their opening BetVictor Isthmian League contest.

The sides met in a premier division curtain-raiser at Hartsdown Park.

New signings Charlie Turner, Lamell Howell and Adam Hampson were named in boss Tom Rothery's starting line-up, as was assistant manager Pip Boyland, who has fought his way back to fitness after missing two years with an ACL injury.

Regent fashioned a couple of decent openings in the first half.

Striker Billy Hunt saw a free-kick flash just over the bar while Hampson fired just wide from a tight angle.

Regent found themselves soaking up pressure during a spell in the second half but held firm for a hard-earned clean sheet.

The match was watched by a crowd of 419.

There was a new face on the bench as the R's announced the signing of Rigers Kabashi on Friday.

The 22-year-old impressed for the club while on trial during the summer.

“Rigers approached me just before pre-season via (former R’s player) Connor Hogan, who he’d played county football with,” said manager Rothery.

“He asked if he would be welcome to come and train with us as he was at university down here and we went from there.

“He’s done well and shown he’s a good footballer and somebody who could do well for us.

“He has a good history, having played for England schools under-18s.

“At senior level he’s not quite reached those heights yet but he’s committed and definitely has ability and potential, so adds depth to the squad.

“I believe he’s somebody (assistant manager) Pip (Boyland) and I can help develop.”

Charlie Lindoe, a talented youngster who has stepped up from the reserves into the first team, was also named among the substitutes at Margate.

Both Kabashi and Lindoe remained unused substitutes, with the only change seeing Amir Berkane replace Hampson.

Brightlingsea are back in action on Tuesday night when Bowers and Pitsea pay a visit to the Taydal Stadium.

Meanwhile, the division north programme gets underway next Saturday.

The opening fixtures include COGGESHALL TOWN v AFC Sudbury, Histon v HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS, Hullbridge Sports v WITHAM TOWN and MALDON AND TIPTREE v Soham Town Rangers.