KEVIN Hughes’ comeback proved short-listed as he was struck down by a career-threatening injury in BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT’S pre-season friendly at Felixstowe & Walton.

Regent won Friday’s match 3-2, thanks to goals from Lamell Howell, Josh Mayhew and Luke Read.

However, the night was overshadowed by injuries to both Hughes and Phil Kelly.

Defender Hughes has only just stepped out of retirement, having originally called it a day following a knee injury that required surgery.

However, he suffered a ruptured Achilles heel at Felixstowe and boss James Webster said: “That’s it for Kev.

“He won’t play again now.

“Phil picked up a bad thigh injury, too, and I was with them both in A&E until 4am on Saturday morning.”

As for Saturday’s action, BRAINTREE TOWN finished their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 success at Ebbsfleet United.

Wilson Carvalho netted the only goal in the closing stages.

STANWAY ROVERS and WITHAM TOWN drew 2-2.

Jake Clowsley and Michael Shaikly scored the Rovers goals.

New signing Adam Hampson netted twice in WIVENHOE TOWN’S 4-1 success at home to Eton Manor.

Karl Andrade and Oliver O’Hare were also on target for Mo Osman’s side, who had lost 2-0 at Stanway on Thursday night.

Depleted HALSTEAD TOWN lost 2-1 at Harold Hill.

Brad Keefe scored their goal but the Humbugs were without James Regan, Jake Brown, Jordan Hutchings and Tom Holdstock and handed debuts to two under-18 players.

Sean Bartlett smashed a hat-trick as BRANTHAM ATHLETIC – who have confirmed the signings of Matt Ryland, Jamie Cole and Warren Joseph - won 3-0 at Little Oakley.

Billy Hunt was on target but it proved only a consolation as HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS lost 4-1 at home to Leiston.