BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent have received a major boost in their quest for promotion.

Two of their main rivals have withdrawn their applications to go up to the Ryman League.

Gorleston and Godmanchester Rovers have both issued statements to say that, for various off-field reasons, they want to remain in the Thurlow Nunn League.

It means that assuming they pass their ground grading, Regent just have to finish in the premier division’s top three to be assured of promotion.

Hadleigh United and Felixstowe and Walton, the current top two, did not apply to go up.