Whatever happens between now and the end of the season, Brightlingsea Regent boss James Webster hopes that at least one of Regent or Maldon & Tiptree will be playing Ryman Premier Division football next campaign.

The high-flying Essex pair meet in the Ryman North on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) in a first versus second match-up at North Road, home of the R’s.

Visitors Maldon & Tiptree, under the management of Kevin Horlock, the former Ipswich Town, West Ham, and Manchester City midfielder, sit six points clear at the top of the division, but have played two more games than Regent.

“It should be a very exciting game of non-league football,” said Regent boss Webster, whose team are unbeaten in their last eight games (six wins, two draws).

“We lost to them 2-1 on the first day of the season, and it’s good to see another local club doing well.

“Having two teams from the same area looking to get into the Ryman Premier is very exciting.

“We haven’t got a Ryman Premier team from this area at the moment so hopefully at least one of us is in their next season.”

Maldon come into this game having just lost their 16-game winning-streak at home, Bowers & Pitsea triumphing 3-2 last week. The Jammers have also lost (seven) more league games than they have won (six) on the road this season.

Webster is still expecting a tough game though as his side look to move within three points of the leaders.

“Maldon have some good resources to use with the Colchester United connection,” he continued.

“Their squad is strong all over and for us to be competing with teams like Maldon is quite astonishing, but we’re managing it.”

Recent signing Pip Boyland will be available for Webster’s selection, the former Leiston, AFC Sudbury, and Needham Market defender is now free from suspension after moving to Regent from Stanway Rovers.

“What we like about Pip is that he’s an organiser and a leader,” said Webster.

“We’ve got a young team and I hope some of his experience will feed off to the younger players.”