Billericay Town 4 Blues 0

Leiston came into this match off a great win against Lewes Saturday and knew they could force their way into the play-offs with a point on the night writes Craig Cooper. However, Richard Wilkins had to re-shuffle the pack, as Heath (back), Saker (eye), Boardley (suspended) and Francis (hamstring) were unavailable. Cunningham came in for Merritt who dropped to the bench with Kieran Nicholls also being called up to the 16 from the Reserves. It was Leiston who started the brighter, Mills seeing his shot go wide of the home keeper’s left upright. Danny Gay smothered an early long shot shortly after. Danny Cunningham started well, really controlling the middle of midfield, spreading an array of passes out to the wings and helping track back to defend when necessary. Halfway through the half, Jefford was booked for an apparent handball near the by-line. On the half hour mark Cunningham was red carded for a clash with home player Poole. This seemed harsh as Poole was only booked. The home side were now sensing the initiative was with them and started to dictate play more. However from a Leiston free kick the Billericay goalkeeper handled the ball right on the line although it was a very close call for the linesman to possibly give a goal. Just as it looked like the visitors would go into the break level pegging they went behind. With Joe Jefford off the pitch receiving treatment for a knock, Billericay put a ball into the box which wasn’t dealt with and Liburd looped his header over the stranded Gay. Billericay had a couple of more chances before the break but neither of them came to nothing.

Leiston made no changes at the interval and kept on trying to play their normal passing game. However, just five minutes into the half Obafemi turned away from his marker to hit a shot that went in inside Danny Gay’s left hand post. Mills would have another shot that went well over and John Sands smashed one at an angle but no one was on hand to tap the loose ball home. Midway through the half Darren Mills was replaced by Josh Merritt. Leiston had a very good chance in the seventieth minute when Leon Ottley-Gooch chased down the keeper and defender and poked the ball past both, only to see the ball go the wrong side of the post. The game was put to bed when Sheehan got in front of a Leiston defender to head home past Gay. With a minute of normal time to go, yet another cross from the left was turned into his own net by Tom Bullard. Billericay did have further chances but Leiston saw the game out to keep the score at four and Billericay are now back in the play-off hunt.

FT – Billericay Town 4 Blues 0

Blues - Gay, Mitchell, Brothers, Cunningham, Jefford, Bullard, Winter, Ottley-Gooch, Mayhew (Nicholls 90 mins), Sands (Block 84 mins), Mills (Merritt 67 mins). Subs Not Used – Rossis and Saker.

Man of the Match – Scott Mitchell

Attendance - 202