To The New Lodge, home of Billericay Town, managed by Justin Edinburgh, assisted by former Saint Andy Polston and captained by Gary Ansell. 'Ricay are bottom of the league, having lost their last 5 games without finding the back of the net in any of those. With Saints confidence shot following the battering by Grays, this is unlikely to be a classic.
7 senior players remain unavailable but City have signed experienced keeper, Nathan Abbey formerly of Luton Town and Stevenage, as well as youngster Andrew Oxbey from Barking. Steve Castle selected Abbey in goal, 4 at the back: Gledhill, De Souza, Seeby and Murray, 4 in the middle: Reynolds, Wraight (C), Deacon and Perfect, and up front: Martin and McDonnell. On the bench: himself, Tomlinson, Oxbey, White and, from the Reserves, Will Davies.
There was goalmouth action throughout this game caused by defensive errors and a dreadful playing surface rather than creative play. The Town keeper, Jerome John, made a fine point blank save from McDonnell in the first few minutes and moments later, Abbey saved well from Ansell. McDonnell harried the keeper and two defenders on the edge of the box, the ball spinning to Martin but the pitch denied the second touch that was required.
In a moment of farce midway through the half, Abbey dwelt on the ball for too long just inside the area before passing out to Ricay's Hunter. We were wearing the home strip so perhaps the new keeper was confused. Hunter hit a firm volley which was goalbound before a flying interception from Murray. H.T. 0-0.
The second half continued with half chances and fine saves by both keepers before Town took the lead midway through the period. Hockton beat the offside trap wide on the left flank and into the box. He turned to the bye-line and hit a fierce shot from the tightest of angles to beat the surprised Abbey. 1-0.
Tomlinson came on for Reynolds and a few minutes later, with practically his first touch of the ball, scored from free-kick 20 yards out hit low through the single gap in the wall. 1-1.
Both sides pressed. Castle brought on Davies to release De Souza to play up front for the last few minutes but a draw was probably the right result. F.T. 1-1.
This was a scrappy affair. Too many long balls, limited play through the middle of the pitch, a dreadful playing surface and half chances made but not converted. Neither side showed much flair or invention. Steve Castle will be desperate for the return of the senior players and will welcome the two week break before the next match. Billericay are a poor side.
Entertainment: 5/10. Technical Merit: 3/10 Referee: 6/10. Atmosphere: 3/10
Match report by Awayday |