Merstham 1-1 Billericay Town

(Bennett 23’: Sappleton 68')

From Moatside

Ryman Premier League

BILLERICAY Town stretched their unbeaten run in the league to an impressive six matches as they came from behind to share the points at Merstham.

Makeshift defender Ricky Sappleton ensured a share of the spoils following a powerful header with more than 20 minutes to go, finishing emphatically but deservedly.

Surrey outfit Merstham had the better of the first period as Town rarely threatened the home goal.

Alex Stephenson saw a header blocked well while Conor Hubble saw his long range strike from outside the box saved.

But Dan Bennett put Merstham ahead on 23 minutes, in a goal Town will be frustrated they didn’t avoid.

A quick break down the left saw the ball cut back to the edge of the penalty area and Bennett powered past away goalkeeper Jack Giddens.

Town improved drastically after the interval and substitute Brandon Diao had a good impact.

He should have brought parity but missed a golden chance from an excellent Hubble free-kick.

The goal came from another set-piece and it was Sappleton that found the net with a header, following his strike against Maidstone United in the FA Cup last weekend.

Town came close to a winner but needed Giddens to preserve that point in the end as he made an excellent late save to ensure it ended 1-1.

Billericay end the afternoon in 12th place, but with games in hand on those above them.

Billericay Town: Giddens, Diallo, Cross, Guarilovas (Capela), Sappleton, Stephenson, Monville, Hubble, Cundle (Diao), Krasniqi, Guthmy (Banya)