A CLINICAL display saw Billericay progress in the FA Cup at the expense of local rivals Hornchurch.

Sam Lechmere’s brace and Alex Osborn’s goal meant the home side won 3-1 in a game of few chances.

Town dominated possession in the first half, playing fluid passing football up front while the back four kept things in check at the rear.

Osborn gave Billericay the lead in the 13th minute after Hornchurch midfielder Sam Cutler was caught napping on the ball deep in his own half by Luke I’Anson.

Lechmere latched onto the ball and his right wing cross was met at the back post by Osborn, who duly scored.

The visitors struggled in the first half, not getting a shot on target until the 42nd minute.

For 20 minutes after the break, though, Town had to weather a mini storm from Hornchurch as they tried upped the tempo.

Lewis Smith produced the best chance in the 54th minute, beating the offside trap before getting a shot away.

Rob Swaine half blocked the shot, but Dale Brightly still had to stretch to save it before ex-Hornchurch defender Joe Anderson cleared.

Town got back on top in the 65th minute when Lechmere’s edge of the area half volley went through a swarm of defenders into the Urchins goal.

Lechmere made it 3-0 in the 89th minute, capitalising on a lapse of concentration between James Love and Joe Woolley, resulting in a pass back.

Glenn Poole rolled the ball to Lechmere from the indirect free kick with the midfielder smashing it in.

Billericay conceded a sloppy consolation goal in the fourth of seven minutes of stoppage time when Duran Reynolds gave the ball away, setting off a counter attack which ended with Smith scoring.

Billericay have now matched their FA Cup run of last season and boss Craig Edwards said he was pleased to still be in the hat.

He said: “I was disappointed with goal we conceded, but we’re through to the next round which is the most important thing.

“You’re in the lap of the gods with the draw, but I’d love to play another local rival in the next round.”

Billericay: Brightly, Oates, Anderson, I’Anson (Luke 78), Swaine, Wild, Lechmere, Poole, Osborn (Magdzinski 79), Green, Reynolds.

Echo MOM: Sam Lechmere (Billericay).