Billericay Town 2-0 East Thurrock United

From New Lodge

A STERLING defensive show from Billericay Town saw them over the line against rivals East Thurrock United and secure a much needed victory.

Former Rocks captain Stevie Sheehan and current captain Rich Halle, who scored a fantastic second goal for the hosts, were immovable at the back and both were involved offensively too – Sheehan having won the free-kick which led to the second goal.

Although the tone for the match was set after a bizarre own goal from away skipper Tom Stephen, midway through the first half.

Echo:

Rocks keeper David Hughes makes a fingertip save

The visitors looked more likely but it was the home side that struck first. A cross from the right was punched half-clear by David Hughes but, in an attempt to head further clear, Stephen headed back over his own keeper under pressure from Junior Appiah.

It was an extraordinary moment but the game then went into a scrappy spell, with some full-blooded tackles made.

After the break, it was Town who were pushing for a second and Jake Hall was inches away from converting a terrific Glenn O’Hanlon cross.

Tricky forward Lewis Smith had an effort blocked before the Town skipper hit a decisive blow for the hosts.

Sheehan won a free-kick on the edge of the box and Halle smashed an unstoppable strike past Hughes into the top of the net – his second in two games.

Echo:

Richard Halle was on the scoresheet for Billericay

Smith forced Lumley into a late save but Town ran out comfortable winners in the end.

Billericay Town: Lumley, O’Hanlon, Beavan, Dunne, Halle, Sheehan, Shaw, Poole, Njie, Hall (Edwards), Appiah (Scott)

East Thurrock United: Hughes, Sammons (Lechmere), Stephen, Peddie, Vezza, Bryant, Witherspoon, Gilbey, Smith, Harris

Echo:

Rocks skipper Tom Stephen, seen her challenging Junior Appiah scored an own goal

FOR MORE PICTURE AND REACTION, SEE TUESDAY'S ECHO