TOM Rothery celebrated his first home game in charge of BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT with an excellent 3-1 victory against Harlow Town, on Saturday.

The R’s stormed back from behind in the Bostik League premier division contest, thanks to goals from Billy Hunt, Aaron Condon and Jake Turner.

It was a special moment for Hunt, who recently signed a contract with the club, and also for Turner, who has re-joined after a spell at AFC Sudbury.

Regent made a poor start and fell behind after 12 minutes.

Alex Read released Junior Dadson and he rounded goalkeeper Sam Cower and the last defender before slotting into an empty net to put the Hawks ahead.

Cowler made a brilliant block to deny Read, who capitalised on a poor back pass, and the loose ball was smashed against the bar by Fabian Simms.

Regent’s equaliser followed midway through the first half.

Condon swung in a corner that was flicked on at the near post by Connor Witherspoon.

Hunt, a yard out, stabbed home from close range to make it all-square.

The hard-working Hunt went from scorer to provider in first-half stoppage time during a Brightlingsea counter-attack.

He burst clear down the left and delivered a sublime cross that was brilliantly volleyed home by Condon.

Regent made it three on the hour mark thanks to returning midfielder Turner, who unleashed a stunning free-kick that curled past keeper Ben McNamara.

Jared Small hit the bar for Harlow but the R’s finished as comfortable winners, to continue their excellent form at the Taydal Stadium.

They have now won five of their seven matches there and they sit ninth in the table, two points outside the play-off zone.

Brightlingsea visit Aveley, who are managed by former boss James Webster, on Monday, in the third round of the Essex Senior Cup.

In addition to Turner, there was also a place in the starting line-up for Rothery’s second signing, Sam Ashford.

The wide man has joined from Witham Town, having previously been part of Tottenham Hotspur’s Academy.

Rothery said: “Sam is an exciting player whose movement and direct play will be a great addition for us.

“He fits into the mould of what we are trying to bring to the club.

“He’s young, hungry and determined to prove himself at this level, so is exactly what I’m looking for in a player.

“I’m sure (assistant manager) Pip (Boyland) and I can develop Sam and bring the best out of him.”

Elsewhere, in the north division, MALDON AND TIPTREE defeated Aveley 3-1.

Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe broke the deadlock early on with an effort that sailed over the keeper and into the net, aided by a slight deflection.

Johnville Renee then doubled the lead in the second half, bending home a shot from the left after another effort had been blocked.

Kieran Bailey applied the finishing touch two minutes from time before the visitors pulled one back through George Doyle.

New signing Correy Davidson was the hero as WITHAM TOWN won 1-0 at promotion-chasing AFC Hornchurch.

The midfielder pounced in the 92nd minute to end a run of 12 games without a win for Adam Flint’s side.