Billericay Town travel to South West London this Saturday to take on Hampton & Richmond. In what will be new manager Dean Brennan’s first League game for the Blues, a huge challenge awaits at the Jezzards Beveree Stadium against a side on a 7 match unbeaten run. The Blues warmed up last Saturday with a 4-1 home FA Cup win against 10th tier Hellenic League outfit, Burnham FC. Hampton and Richmond comfortably won their Cup tie 3-0 versus Isthmian Premier side, Burgess Hill Town.
Photo: Ben Harrison
After a slow start, which included two home defeats to Hemel (1-2) and Bath City (0-1) in the first three games, this new-look Beavers side have put together a sensational run of form to propel them to 3rd place. The seven game sequence of results includes six wins, including tough away fixtures at St. Albans (2-3), Dulwich Hamlet (0-2) and trips to Plainmoor to earn three points versus Torquay (0-2) and, in their last League game, Truro (0-2). Only the concession of a last minute penalty at home against Chelmsford City (1-1) prevents Hampton & Richmond from sitting at the top of the League.
Since gaining promotion back to the National South in May 2016, Hampton & Richmond have finished in the play-off positions each season. The 2017-18 campaign, in which the Beavers finished 4th, proved to be the closest the club have come to the National League. After beating Truro City and Chelmsford City to secure a place in the play-off final, the season would end against Braintree Town. In a match played coincidentally at the Beveree Stadium, which regularly hosts National South finals, the sides could not be separated after a 1-1 draw. The Essex side prevailed 4-3 in the shoot-out.
The disappointment of missing out on promotion was magnified by the decision of manager, Alan Dowson, to depart the club for Woking. Dowson, who arrived in September 2014, steadied the ship after inheriting a side third from bottom of the Isthmian Premier with eight points from 10 games. In his first full season at the club, the Beavers won the 2015-16 Isthmian Premier title, concluding the double over Billericay Town with a 1-0 win at the New Lodge and 2-1 victory at the Beveree Stadium.
After an absence of 3 years from the Conference South, the first season back in Tier six ended with a semi-final play-off defeat to Ebbsfleet United after securing a commendable 7th place in 2016-17.
The off-season marked a period of wholesale change at Hampton & Richmond. New manager, Gary McCann, was appointed in June 2018. Known for his exciting brand of attacking football at Hendon, McCann looked the obvious choice to maintain momentum at a Hampton side that had known considerable success in recent years. After 13 years at the Isthmian Premier side, he had similarly fallen short of promotion last season at the final hurdle. In a tight match with Dulwich (1-1), the Greens from North London missed out on a place in the National South after losing on penalties.
With Dowson taking a host of players with him to Woking, including the back four and leading scorer, Max Kretzschmar, the ex-Hendon boss was left with a monumental re-building job. Of the Beavers that started the final game of last season, only winger Taurean Roberts, since departed, was still at the club for the kick-off of the 2018-19 campaign. With a whole team to replace, it was no surprise that McCann looked to the tried and tested by seeking out his former charges that came so close to gaining promotion. Of the 19 new recruits signed since arriving, nine incoming players were from Hendon, including eight of those that featured on the team-sheet in the play-off final.
Hampton has been solid at the back with only eight goals conceded in ten games. There is a strong ex-Dons influence in the defence with highly rated, former Hendon goal-keeper, Tom Lovelock, playing behind his erstwhile team-mate at centre-back, Rian Bray, 20. In a blend of youth and experience in central defence, recent signing, ex-Sutton Utd man, Simon Downer, 36, provides additional know-how, lining up alongside Bray. Former Hendon player, Michael Corcoran has featured in central defence but is now deployed further forward into the defensive midfield role.
In the full-back positions, former Billericay and Hendon loanee, Oliver Sprague, will be a familiar name to Blues fans. Due to injury, his pace and crossing ability will be missed on Saturday. Nathan Mavila, signed from Orient, is expected to deputise. Right-back has proved to be a problem position with five different incumbents occupying the role so far this season. Ex-Staines player, Tyrell Miller-Rodney, who is comfortable playing anywhere on the right side, has put in a series of good displays there in recent weeks. As his performance last time out versus Truro earned him a place in the National South Team of the Week, he looks like holding on to the shirt for the time being.
Hampton’s central midfield includes former Hendon stalwart, Casey MacLaren, a tough, competitive player supported by clever passer, Ricky Wellard, signed from Wealdstone. Both can show neat touches of skill with MacLaren netting an impressive overhead kick versus St. Albans this season. Attacking midfielder, Zak Joseph, signed from Hendon, provides a threat from the left side, scoring twice this season. On the right, Daniel Uchechi, former Nigerian U-23 and Hendon, provides good movement and pace.
The find of the season so far for Hampton is undoubtedly up-front where former Chelmsford City striker, Chris Dickson is thriving. With 7 League goals, including scoring in each of his last seven games, Dickson is a clear danger-man. Although Hampton is a passing side, Dickson’s pace, and willingness to chase the long ball, provides an extra attacking dimension. Well supported by the willing Joseph, Uchechi, and Dundas, Dickson has been used intelligently within a 4-2-3-1 system.
Craig Dundas completes what looks a very experienced spine to the team. This powerfully built midfielder/striker operates just behind Dickson. At 37, age is proving no barrier as reflected by an ever-present record in the league and a goal in each of Hampton’s last three games. He returns to the Beavers after leaving in 2010 and spent the intervening period at Sutton Utd, scoring 100 goals.
Photo: Nicky Hayes
In what will be Dean Brennan’s first match League match in charge of Billericay Town, we expect the Blues team to be much changed from the side that beat Burnham Fc in the FA Cup last Saturday. A 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 system seems possible depending on whether one is guided by the set-up for Burnham or the alignment of Brennan’s Hemel Hempstead side. Given the anticipated Hampton formation, there is a case for matching up systems with a set-up that is familiar to the new boss.
We think the main changes to the side are likely to see Alan Julian back in goal. Either Dean Inman or Rickie Hayles could drop to the bench to allow Scott Doe to return as centre-back. Player of the month for August, Joe Kizzi, should also resume as right back. Skipper, Danny Waldren, who deputised for Kizzi versus Burnham is likely to return to familiar ground in central midfield.
In our view, Sammy Deering, rested in the FA Cup, should start and it will be all change up front. Depending on formation, either Robinson on his own, or paired with Cunnington, could be considered. Although Adam Coombes can have no complaints if he misses out, Moses Emmanuel can count himself unlucky if he misses out and remains an excellent option from the bench.
To all those travelling to the game, have a safe trip. Please note that the Billericay Town Supporters Society is running transport to the match. The coach leaves the AGP at 12:15pm and departs Hampton at 5:10pm. Cost is £16 for adults and £10 for U-16’s. Please check their twitter site on @btss_awaytravel for latest details or e-mail interest to btsstravel@gmail.com
Form: Last Five Matches
Billericay Town: W, D, W, L, W, L.
Leading Scorer: Jake Robinson, 11 goals.
Hampton & Richmond: W, W, W, W, W, W
Leading Scorer: Chris Dickson, 8 goals.
Last Four Meetings
Isthmian Premier
19-Mar-16 Hampton & Richmond 2 Billericay Town 1
19-Sep-16 Billericay Town 0 Hampton & Richmond 1
04-Apr-15 Billericay Town 1 Hampton &Richmond 1
20-Dec-14 Hampton & Richmond 1 Billericay Town 2
