BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent boss Kem Izzet is confident his side can avoid relegation this season - and admits it will be satisfying proving the doubters wrong.

The R's are bottom of the BetVictor Isthmian League premier division after Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Kingstonian.

It was their second defeat in a row, after losing 3-2 at Bognor Regis Town last Tuesday.

However, prior to that, they had been unbeaten in three games and only lost one of their previous six.

They have also lost just one of their last six at the Taydal Stadium - something that should give them heart for this weekend's home date with Margate.

Izzet believes some people think they are doomed and destined for the relegation trapdoor, this season.

However, he is remaining positive and hopes to make the cynics eat their words.

"There's nothing better than proving people wrong and it's something I've done throughout my career," said the Colchester United legend.

"At different times, people said I was too small to be a professional footballer or not good enough.

"It spurred me on and I've told the boys there's nothing better than shoving words down people's throats.

"If people think we're down then so be it.

"I've heard a bit of negativity - certainly not within our group but little whispers and comments.

"People are entitled to their opinions but I don't like being around negativity, so when I hear things like that I take a backward step and get on with my business.

"It's easy to bite back, either in person or on social media.

"But I'd rather be the bigger person and let football and results do the talking.

"I'm still confident we won't go down.

"We're five points off 17th.

"Obviously we're not in a great position but it's not the end of the world.

"There are lots of games left and a lot of points to play for.

"We're not playing poorly and we've just got to focus on each match one at a time."

Regent found themselves two-down at Kingstonian before Romario Dunne grabbed a last-gasp consolation in the 92nd minute.

Izzet felt enforced changes upset the balance of his side in the first half.

However, he felt they did enough after the break to deserve a share of the spoils.

"We lost our right-back (Morisi Gelashvili) in the warm-up, Jordan Barnett after 15 minutes and Lamell Howell after 20 minutes," said the R's boss.

"So it wasn't ideal and maybe having to change things round like that meant there was a bit of an imbalance that was reflected in our first-half performance.

"We didn't play particularly well but were much better after the break and probably should have got something from the game.

"Going forward, we just have to focus on ourselves and the things we can control.

"As long as we're performing, we hope to get positive results.

"We've got some appetising games to come and the boys have got everything to play for everything to fight for."

Regent are away to Bowers and Pitsea on Tuesday.