AFC finally got the better of the home side for the first time, albeit in a pre-season fixture, but it was done with vigour, enthusiasm and no little amout of skill and it was a pleasure to watch.
Manager Jamie Godbold started the game including two triallists, one in central defence and one in midfield. Both gave creditable performances and are likely to be asked back for the next game at home on Tuesday.
Returning to his former club for the first time it took midfield man Jake Turner only two minutes to put AFC in front with a firm strike giving the home keeper no chance. Regent's triallist keeper did not last long as he stayed down after he and L'heureux Menga clashed as they both went for the ball, and he had to be stretchered off.
The home side levelled from the penalty spot when Julian Smith was adjudged to have pushed over a home forward. With Rhys Henry and Adam Mills working hard, the pace of the Sudbury side was as fast as has been seen for some while. The sides went in level , but only just as both Turner and Menga hit the Brightlingsea post a minute before the interval.
Some frailty was shown in the AFC defence as they allowed in a goal from a back post header following a corner. The visitors responded with Menga heading wide and Mills having a great long range shot.
The vistors equalised from the penalty spot when Turner was barged over, Menga taking the spot kick.
Changes were made as Sam Clarke, Dave Cowley, Alfie Carroll and Callum Robinson took over from Jake Turner, Joe Claridge, Paul Walker and AFC's midfield triallist.
It became 3-2 to AFC as the ball following a cross found its way into the net at the far post with Mills claiming the last touch. The final goal of the game came from Captain Clarke as he blasted the ball home from some distance.
The remainder of the game was played out with AFC remaining in control for the most part and looking sharp with it.
Team, Paul Walker (Callum Robinson 60) Jack Newman, Joe Claridge ( Alfie Carroll 60) Jake Turner (Sam Clarke 60) Triallist 14 Julian Smith, Tevan Allen, Triallist 8 ( Dave Cowley 60) L'heureux Menga, Rhys Henry, Adam Mills.
Att 95
YNOT