Edwards comes back to haunt Billericay as 10-man Town are stunned by late Kingstonian win

(Taylor 90')

From the AGP Arena

Isthmian Premier League

A STOPPAGE time goal from Lewis Taylor stunned league favourites Billericay Town as Kingstonian secured an opening day win in the Isthmian Premier League.

A poor first-half was followed by a hugely entertaining final 25 minutes, in which a host of chances came and went and home defender Joe Ellul was shown a straight red card.

That left Taylor to break in the first minute of injury-time and, following a fortunate deflection, he hammered an unstoppable drive past Alan Julian.

Town would have wanted a fast start at home, against a Kingstonian side managed by their former manager Craig Edwards.

But that failed to materialise. The first 45 minutes was devoid of any real goal-scoring chances, with Louie Theophanous the brightest spark for the hosts.

The striker blasted past the post on the volley but Kingstonian more than matched their opponents.

Danny Waldren and Jake Robinson were introduced as both Town’s central midfielders were replaced.

Jermaine Pennant was wildly off target with a free-kick, as a poor half ended goalless.

Jack Parter was denied by a fine block in the opposite penalty area before Town finally started to click into gear.

On the hour mark, a Theophanous flick was cleared off the line and moments later Robinson sent a header off the base of the post.

Joe Ellul flicked a header inches wide, with Cunnington following suit seconds later.

But, despite the lack of goals, the drama was to come.

Former Town striker Tom Derry stormed through after being released by another old favourite, Ricky Sappleton.

He was felled by Ellul, albeit contact looked minimal, and Town were reduced to 10 men for the final eight minutes.

Robinson sent another header wide of the post only for Jack Parter to come even closer.

The Kinstgonian winger’s header hit the base of the post and bounced into goalkeeper Alan Julian’s arms in what looked to be the last chance.

But, to Town's dismay, that wasn't to be the final opportunity.

Taylor broke from inside his own half, benefitting from a fortunate deflection, and slammed an unstoppable strike into the top corner to secure the points for the K's.

Billericay Town: Julian, Foley (Cunnington 56’), Konchesky, Ellul, Chambers, Evans (Robinson 46’), Davies (Waldren 34’), Pennant, Theophanous, Bricknell, Deering