Phoenix FM’s JOHN CHUBB reporting from the AGP Arena
Billericay Town followed their victorious FA Cup exploits by continuing their excellent run of league wins, as they came back from behind to claim all three points against Enfield Town.
Blues were once again without the injured Ricky Modeste, and there was one personnel change from the side that beat Brackley Town 2-1 on Tuesday night to gain the club a place in the FA Cup 1st round proper for only the second time ever. Robbie Evans, who had been controversially sent off in Tuesday’s replay moved to the back four in place of Kevin Foley, and Jermaine Pennant returned to the team to replace Evans in midfield.
The game started slowly, with neither side having many chances in the early stages as they battled with the blustery conditions. Then with 14 minutes gone, Enfield Town were awarded a penalty but home goalkeeper Alan Julian saved the spot kick.
Just after the midway stage of the first half Enfield Town had a chance after Ricay’s centre half Rob Swaine put the ball out for a corner, but Ruan Blake failed to capitalise. Then a couple of minutes later, Danny Waldren and Louie Theophanous had efforts for the home side but both went wide. Just after the half hour mark Blues’ Jake Robinson also had a chance, which was superbly stopped by Enfield’s former Billericay goalkeeper Joe Wright.
But it was the visiting side who broke the deadlock in the 37th minute. The Towners’ centre back Taylor McKenzie met the ball at the back post, and powered home a header past Julian to put his side in front. Waldren and Adam Cunnington responded with chances for Billericay, but both were fired over and the home team therefore went into the interval a goal behind.
Blues’ first real chance of the second period came on 53 minutes, when a Theophanous shot sailed just wide before the management team made a change, keeping with the same formation but swapping Cunnington for fellow striker Billy Bricknell. Billericay were now pushing hard for an equaliser, Waldren again going close with Wright doing superbly well to tip his effort wide. After another Theophanous effort Blues made another substitution, this time in midfield as Pennant made way for Dan Walker.
The home team were really coming to life now, as Theophanous (again) Bricknell and Evans all had efforts stopped by the excellent Wright. The breakthrough came through 20 minutes from time, after a foul and Bricknell fired home from the spot to make it 1-1.
Enfield Town tried to respond, with Julian having to be alert as he made a superb save to prevent his side from going behind again with 76 minutes on the clock. Then with just 4 minutes of normal time left Theophanous passed to Deering, and Wright was beaten for the second time as Ricay took the lead.
That goal proved to be enough, as Billericay held out for all 3 points and a 9th league victory in succession. They have moved up to 3rd place in the Bostik Premier, with 3 points less than both leaders Hendon and 2nd placed Dulwich but the Blues have games in hand on both of those sides.
Billericay Town: Alan Julian, Leo Chambers, Paul Konchesky, Robbie Evans, Rob Swaine, Sam Deering, Jermaine Pennant (Dan Walker 60), Danny Waldren, Louie Theophanous, Jake Robinson (Joe Ellul 87), Adam Cunnington (Billy Bricknell 54).
Enfield Town: Joe Wright, Jon Kyriacou, Dan Rumens, Taylor McKenzie, Rob Bartley, Adam Martin, Ryan Blackman, Montell Moore, Ruan Blake, Simon Thomas, Aaron Greene.
Attendance: 1559
