Billericay Town manager Craig Edwards said a stern half-time team-talk helped his team get the better of Brightlingsea Regent to book their place in the next round of the Essex Senior Cup.

Town won 2-0, with Michael Bakare getting both goals after the break, having missed a first-half penalty for the visitors.

And Edwards was mollified as Town made up for a poor first 45 minutes with an excellent second-half.

“The first-half was very disappointing although Brightlingsea played very well to their credit,” he said. “There were a few words said at half-time but we should have gone in one up because of the penalty and it would have been unfair on them to go in ahead.

“But it was chalk and cheese after that. The first half was unacceptable and I told them in no uncertain terms that we won’t accept that.

“But we got the win and are into the next round which is what matters so I hope we get a good draw now.”

Town were nursing a number of injuries ahead of kick-off, and Regent were the better side in the first period.

Jack Giddens was forced into several smart saves, although Lewis Taaffe was only denied a first Billericay goal by a stop up the other end.

But the best chance of the half fell to the visitors but Bakare’s penalty was struck off target.

But, shortly after the break, Bakare did find his range and netted a second shortly afterwards.

“It was nice keeping a clean sheet for the first time in a little while. We will always score goals and we have been open at the back.

“A lot of positives and lessons were learned, especially in victory.”