Brightlingsea Regent boss James Webster paid tribute to last season’s supporters’ player of the year, Kevin Hughes, after Saturday’s last 32 FA Vase triumph over Bodmin Town on Saturday.

The experienced Hughes was a doubt before kick-off, but passed a late fitness test and then the former Stanway Rovers favourite, put in a man-of-the-match performance in the 3-1 FA Vase victory.

“I was so glad he was able to play today,” said Webster.

“His experience is absolutely vital and he is a key player for us because we have a young team.

“We have been together as a group for three or four years now, so we know what to expect from each other.

“The only time in the game we looked like things were going wrong was after they equalised and then they had a 10-minute spell.”

Indeed Bodmin did come back at Brightlingsea after Jake Holman had given Regent an early lead. It was a lead they kept into the half-time break.

“It was difficult to know what to say at half-time,” Webster added.

“We were playing well but we were only a goal ahead. I didn’t really want us to change too much.

“As I said, we have been together for a long time and experience of watching the team over the years told me that after Bodmin scored, we would come through it.”

And Webster heaped praise on the 567 fans at North Road on Saturday – Brightlingsea’s average attendance so far this season – has been 96!

“Our crowd, the whole club have been superb today,” he said.

“Everyone has pulled together, we were even putting up the extra stand at midnight on Friday night – so many people have put so much hard work in today. What a great attendance.”

The draw for the last 16 takes place on Monday.

In Monday’s print edition of the EADT, enjoy a two-page picture special of Brightlingsea’s super victory.

Plus Mike Bacon’s full match report and comment.