BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent manager Kem Izzet hailed his much-improved side for keeping close tabs on former Colchester United team-mate and legend Jamie Cureton.

The U's heroes went head to head in Tuesday's BetVictor Isthmian League premier division contest at the Taydal Stadium.

Regent continued their resurgence with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a second-half strike from Jake Clowsley.

But Izzet was also delighted with a hard-earned clean sheet - especially as they were up against seasoned campaigner and scoring machine Cureton.

The 44-year-old is player-manager at the Prokit UK Stadium and still a feared striker, having plundered countless goals down the years for the likes of Norwich City and Reading.

He also had a hugely successful spell at Colchester, forging a dynamic attacking partnership with Chris Iwelumo and helping the club to a tenth-place finish in the Championship.

One of his highlights was the hat-trick he scored in a 3-0 win at Essex rivals Southend United in 2007 and his 23 goals in the 2006-07 campaign earned him the Championship Golden Boot.

"Curo still looks sharp and he's dangerous whenever the ball is played into the box," said Izzet, reflecting on Tuesday's victory.

"He comes alive and I told the boys before the game not to let him out of their sights.

"It's brilliant he's still playing at this level, and still scoring goals, at the age of 44.

"He's been fortunate with injuries but looks after himself.

"He manages himself well, too, playing 60-odd minutes on Tuesday and 70 or so on Saturday.

"But he certainly still knows where the back of the net is.

"Give him a chance and more often than not he'll score."

Cureton saw a first-half penalty saved by Regent keeper Charlie Turner.

Clowsley then volleyed his side's winner on 61 minutes.

"In the end, it was a fantastic result but we weren't really at it in the first half," said Izzet.

"If anything, we were lucky to go in with the score 0-0.

"Curo missed a penalty and we were fortunate to be on level terms.

"We had words at half-time and, thankfully, started the second half quickly and strongly.

"We were a much better team and, based on that, deserved the three points."