BILLERICAY Town got their pre-season schedule underway by playing out a 1-1 draw against National League side Ebbsfleet United.

Sam Deering cancelled out Ebou Adams’ opener for the home side at Kuflink Stadium.

Town, who were captained by summer signing Simon Walton, also handed debuts to Callum Kennedy, Jake Howells and Moses Emmanuel from the start.

Both sides looked to retain possession in their first friendlies ahead of the 2018/19 campaign, but the first chance of the encounter fell to Fleet defender Chris Bush, who headed a home corner wide of the target.

A blistering effort from Andy Drury then deflected wide off Dean Inman as the National League side upped the tempo.

Emmanuel, who has joined the club from Sutton United, nearly created a superb opener as the winger put a dangerous cross into the Ebbsfleet penalty area, but neither Jake Robinson or Ricky Modeste could apply the vital touch.

Just moments later, the hosts took a 21st minute lead. Former Southend United winger Myles Weston beat Kennedy for pace and his low centre across the six-yard box allowed Adams to slide home.

However, Town were back on level terms less than 10 minutes before the break as Robinson found Deering with a defence-splitting pass and the former Ebbsfleet midfielder struck home.

Alan Julian thwarted Darren McQueen, who was put through one-on-one, while an Ebbsfleet defender deflected his cross onto his own crossbar and Walton sent a long-range strike inches over the crossbar just before the interval.

Billericay started the second half well, following a number of substitutions for both sides.

Although neither side could find a winner, it proved to be a good workout for the two sets of players.

>CONCORD Rangers and East Thurrock United also enjoyed their first fixtures of pre-season.

Concord travelled to Brentwood Town and ran out 4-0 winners.

Adam Topley fired home for the Beach Boys early on, while player/manager Sammy Moore – in his first game in charge – found the back of the net from close range to double his side’s advantage.

Topley grabbed his second goal of the game just before half-time, while the away side completed the scoring late on.

Meanwhile, Rocks claimed a 4-2 victory over Aveley.

Calvin Ekpiteta broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, while Alex Teniola was also on target for the Millers.

But East Thurrock's four goals were shared between two trialists and John Coventry's side ran out comfortable winners.