By JOHN CHUBB

Billericay Town continued to put pressure on Bostik Premier leaders Dulwich Hamlet, Glenn Tamplin’s side enjoying another impressive victory at the expense of visitors Leiston.

As has often been the case this season the Blues took an early lead, striker Adam Cunnington finding the net after only four minutes of play as he towered to head home Josh Urquhart’s cross. But a largely uneventful first half followed, with Nicky Wheeler going closest for the home side when he missed the target from only five yards.

Leiston’s Jerome Trotter had a couple of efforts that went over Billericay goalkeeper Alan Julian’s crossbar, whilst Jermaine Pennant and Cunnington were both not far from adding to their team’s lead, but at half time only one goal separated the sides.

Four minutes into the second half Ricay thought they should have had a penalty when top scorer Jake Robinson went down inside the box, but the referee waved play on. But the former Brighton and Hove Albion striker opened his account for the afternoon on the hour mark, when substitute Louie Theophanous – on for Cunnington – set him up with a reverse pass which he put through visiting keeper Marcus Garnham’s legs to make it 2-0.

Leiston had a couple of chances to get back into the game. Former Ipswich Town defender Jack Ainsley fired over from 15 yards, and Dominic Docherty also went close for the Suffolk side, but Blues keeper Julian was largely a spectator as the home team gradually brushed aside their opponents.

Then with 15 minutes remaining, new Billericay captain and record signing Dean Inman headed the ball in the direction of the goal. His effort fell to Robinson, who found the net to make it 3-0.

In injury time, the rout was completed when Theophanous once again set up Robinson, this time with a cross to make it 4-0. Robinson has now found the net 29 times in a season not yet halfway through, an extraordinary tally which now includes five hat-tricks.

So Billericay ended the afternoon in second place in the league, three points behind leaders Dulwich but with five games in hand on the South Londoners. They have a chance to not only narrow the gap but also go top on goal difference this Tuesday evening, when they host Mertsham at the AGP Arena.

Billericay Town: Alan Julian, Joe Kizzi, Josh Urquhart, Rob Swaine, Dean Inman, Sam Deering, Jermaine Pennant (Ricky Modeste 61), Matt Paine (Danny Waldren 67), Nick Wheeler, Jake Robinson, Adam Cunnington (Louie Theophanous 52).

Leiston: Marcus Garnham, Joe Marsden, Seb Dunbar, Jack Ainsley, Joe Jefford, Dominic Docherty, Jerome Trotter (Joshua Cheetham 60), Chris Henderson, Matt Blake, Christy Finch, Patrick Brothers.

Attendance: 894