Billericay back on track
St Albans 0-1 Billericay Town (FA Cup second qualifying round)
Brought to you by the Evening Echo
The signs weren't good for Billericay Town when they travelled to Hertfordshire for this FA Cup second qualifying round tie against fellow Ryman League Premier Division side St Albans.
Not only was key defender Steve Dickinson out suspended and on-loan striker Gary Dixon ineligible, but battling midfielder Andy Tomlinson was unwell and first choice goalkeeper Gavin King sidelined with bruised ribs.
However, Billericay - without a League win in five starts - rallied to the cause in great style and ran out 1-0 winners. Admittedly, against a desperately disappointing host side, reserve keeper Adam Hart had little to do on his debut.
In midfield Danny Snowsill, son of assistant manager Chris, came in to give an effective display and KK Opara battled well as a lone striker.
There were other major pluses - not least an outstanding midfield showing by Lee Williams, a much-criticised player by some sections of the New Lodge crowd, who came into his own with a very mature performance.
Chances were few and far between throughout but were particularly at a premium in the opening half - although Darren Fenton's 37th minute 30-yard volley wasn't that far off target for the home side.
Billericay, who would have been more than happy with a draw before the game started, grew in confidence as the afternoon wore on and Richard Wilmot in the home goal pushed a 62nd minute effort from winger Tommy Morgan onto the bar before saving at point blank range from Williams six minutes later.
There was a brief respite for Saints when Simon Martin headed just over the Billericay bar, but the £7,500 on offer for the winners came Billericay's way 15 minutes from time.
Morgan struck a low ball across the face of the goal and summer signing from Purfleet, Martin Carthy, was on hand to shoot home the only goal of the afternoon - the midfielder's fourth goal of the campaign.
Billericay, with representatives from the Nationwide Conference visiting them today (Monday) to assess their ground with a view to playing at the higher level, have plans to build a new 1,000 seater stand, complete with board room, toilets and car park, upgrade their floodlights, and have an agreement in principle for Basildon Council to grant them a new 35-year lease on their New Lodge ground.