By JOHN CHUBB
Billericay Town enjoyed cup success against opposition from a higher league – not for the first time this season – as they saw off National League South high fliers Havant & Waterlooville at the AGP Arena to progress to the 2nd round of the FA Trophy.
The visiting Hawks – currently lying fourth in the National League South- had the first chance of the match, a header from Jason Prior which was blocked by Billericay captain Dean Inman but The Blues took the lead after just four minutes, when midfielder Sam Deering seized an opportunity from a defensive error and set up prolific forward Jake Robinson who put the home side in front.
As the first half progressed Havant had a lot of possession, and put pressure on the home defence but Ricay coped well, and had chances to extend their lead via Ricky Modeste and Louie Theophanous in spite of being on the back foot at times.
The Hawks, managed by former Manchester City and Southend United striker Lee Bradbury came close to an equaliser seven minutes before half time, when Wes Fogdan rounded Blues goalkeeper Alan Julian but he was unable to find the corner of the net with his subsequent shot.
Then on 40 minutes, both sides were suddenly down to 10 men. Billericay’s Matt Paine received a straight red card from referee Jack Packman despite appearing to have won the ball. In the melee that followed Havant’s Jordan Rose was also given his marching orders.
The visitors had the first chances of the second half, both of which were stopped well by Julian but then Josh Urquhart had a strike saved by Havant keeper Ryan Young at the other end. Then in the 49th minute Robinson scored his and the home side’s second, latching onto a long through ball and superbly smashing it into the corner of the net for his 33rd goal of the season.
Another excellent Julian save from Prior prevented the Hawks from getting back into the game a few minutes later, but on 64 minutes Matt Tubbs – who had only come on as s substitute seven minutes previously – headed home to bring the score back to 2-1.
As the game went into the last 20 minutes the Billericay management team decided to add to their attacking options, with striker Adam Cunnington replacing Modeste. Shortly after the substitution Blues’ Robbie Evans fired over the bar from 20 yards, then a few minutes later at the other end Havant came very close to an equaliser, which was denied them due to a superb goal line clearance from defender Urquhart.
The Hawks continued to push for an equaliser as the game approached the 90 minute mark, Urquhart and Julian as well as Inman all denying the Hampshire side with some excellent defending. Four minutes of time added on followed, during which Cunnington and Danny Waldren had efforts stopped by Young.
Then with 94 minutes on the clock, Deering made sure that Billericay’s name went into the hat for the second round when he scored with virtually the last kick of the game to make it 3-1 to Glenn Tamplin’s side.
Billericay Town: Alan Julian, Robbie Evans, Josh Urquhart, Joe Kizzi, Dean Inman, Sam Deering, Danny Waldren, Matt Paine, Ricky Modeste (Adam Cunnington 71), Louie Theophanous (Rob Swaine 58), Jake Robinson (Jermaine Pennant 86).
Havant & Waterlooville: Ryan Young, Rory Williams, Ryan Woodward, Edward Harris, Wes Fogdan, Theo Lewis (Matt Tubbs 57), Jason Prior, Bradley Tarbuck, Mike Carter (Theo Widdrington 60), Andreas Robinson, Jordan Rose.
Attendance: 705
