Billericay Town 2 Blues 0

Leiston suffered back to back defeats inside four days as they slipped to defeat in Essex against Billericay Town. The damage was done in the first half as the play off hopefuls scored twice with Glenn Driver’s side unable to claw anything from the game in the second period. All previous League visits to New Lodge have seen the Blues concede four goals on all three occasions so their hopes weren’t helped pre match with skipper Tom Bullard unavailable. The hosts recruitment has been well documented in an attempt to gate crash the end of season play off’s and there plan has shown dividends to date as this latest victory sees them just two points outside the top five with four games remaining.

In front of another bumper home crowd the hosts got off to the perfect start nudging ahead after just 14 minutes. Centre half Swaine glancing on a Sprague corner into the path of new signing Robinson who crashed home his second goal in three games since signing from Hemel Hempstead. Prior to the goal the league’s leading scorer, Matt Blake, had flicked a half chance just wide and following the opening goal, Matt Blake remained a threat for the Blues and a well worked move saw the Blues striker goal side of Swaine but his effort was saved by the extended arm of the advancing Julian. The visitors now had a foothold in the game and a neat ball over the shoulder of Matt Blake saw the striker saw a volley just clear the bar before Billericay added a second goal on 40 minutes. A loose ball fell invitingly to left back Sprague who unleashed a long range swerving effort that flew across Ashlee Jones in the Leiston goal finding the net via the upright. Sprague is no stranger to the Blues, netting a similar impressive goal whilst wearing the colours of Hendon at Victory Road back in November.    

The second half was a closer affair with neither side able to get a clear sight of goal other than an effort from Ollie Brown that was well blocked by Julian in the home goal. Billericay seemed content to preserve their two goal lead and hold off the Leiston threat. In the end Billericay were able to comfortably see out the remainder of the game and while they must now win their final four games and see what transpires, Glenn Driver’s side must make their two games in hand count to maintain their strong play off push. 

FT – Billericay Town 2 Blues 0

Billericay Town - Julian, Eyong, Sprague (O'Hara 45 mins), Konchesky, Swaine, Ellul, Lawrence, Johnson, Bricknell, Cunnington, Robinson (Assombalonga 45 mins). Subs not used – Krasniqi, Fitzsimons and Giddens.

Blues – Jones, Brown, Dunbar, Ainsley, Jefford, Hutchings, Hubble (Blades 71 mins), Heath, Blake, Muir-Merchant, Francis (Pelling 64 mins). Subs not used – Cole, Schaar and Beckwith.

Man of the Match – Seb Dunbar

Attendance - 1453