Enfield Town 2-2 Billericay Town

(Joseph 22’, Kiangebeni 32’: Cunnington 4’, McLeod 16’)

From the Queen Elizabeth II Stadium

Ryman Premier League

TEN-MAN Billericay Town produced a superb rear-guard action to earn a point at Enfield Town.

Alex Stephenson’s 20th minute dismissal saw Billericay play 70 minutes a man light and, although they conceded two goals in the aftermath of the dismissal they held out for a draw.

This was after Adam Cunnington and a stunning debut goal from Mekhi McLeod had put the visitors in the driving seat.

Billericay started brightly, with Matt Johnson’s strike palmed away by Nathan McDonald, although the first goal wasn’t long in coming.

Three minutes were on the clock when Abs Seymour sent a low delivery in at the near post which Cunnington diverted into the net.

Billericay were well in control but they almost drew level against the run of play.

Rob Swaine half completed a clearance but Harry Ottaway picked up on the loose ball and smashed a strike off the post.

Billericay broke and it was a moment of magic from McLeod.

The winger, only signed on Monday, ran at the defence from halfway, leaving a defender on the seat of his pants and powering a terrific strike in from 20 yards.

Craig Edwards’ men were well in control when Stephenson, back in the team after being recalled from Bishop’s Stortford, fouled Karl Oliyide and was sent off.

And if that wasn’t punishment enough, Enfield halved arrears from the resulting free-kick.

Played into the left channel, a ball was crossed and Harold Joseph slid in to score.

Swaine diverted a cross onto his own post as the pressure grew, with goalkeeper Alan Julian diverting a low shot wide.

But Enfield were deservedly level just after 30 minutes.

A cross from the left was met by the unmarked Percy Kiangebeni and Julian was left helpless.

Enfield continued to press although Johnson came closest to a fifth goal, sending his 30 yard drive inches over the crossbar.

Five minutes into the second half, Bobby Devyne sent a cross-cum-shot inches past the far post.

Seymour made a last-gasp tackle to keep the scores level as Billericay weathered the storm.

Julian had to be at his best with 10 minutes remaining, getting down low to divert the ball aside and made an even better save as the clock ticked into injury-time.

But Billericay still had a chance to win it. Substitute Chris Assombalonga was one-on-one but lashed wide of the near post.

In the Ryman North, Bowers & Pitsea returned to the play-off places with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Norwich United.

David Knight and Callum Leahy’s first half goals were added to by Brad Warner and a second for Knight.

Ben Sartain rounded off the win late on.