Matches

With Billericay Town looking to improve their precarious position at the foot of the table this was never going to be an easy game for Blues, whose own recent form has been indifferent to say the least.

Blues could have gone behind as early as the second minute. Scott Barrett, promoted to the keeper’s jersey ahead of Mel Capleton, brought down Steve Jones, only to make amends by saving Jamie Dormer’s spot kick.

However, after a couple of half chances for Blues, it was Billericay who took the lead in the 23rd minute, when Dave Reddington rose unchallenged to head home Jamie Dormer’s corner.

Although the game was played at a lively pace there was little goalmouth action, until Blue’s drew level just before half-time. Stuart Thurgood’s in-swinging corner beat everyone including Town keeper Luke Weaver.

Blues enjoyed the majority of the possession in the second half, but lacked the killer instinct and therefore never really looked like scoring. Against the run of play the better chances fell to Billericay; Andrew Davidson heading wide, then Scott Barrett being forced into a brilliant save to deny Town the lead.

Tiredness began to show as Blues struggled to find a winner, Leroy Griffiths broke forward only to find himself without support in the box and the opportunity was lost.

With the clock ticking down both teams made substitutions, Town replacing Jean-Marie Okita with Jordan Tolan, and Lee Williams making way for Ellis Remy.

Billericay had earned their point with some resolute defending, and Blues Manager Mark Stimson will need to raise the spirits of his players if they are to recapture their early season form.

After the match, Mark said ‘Billericay played well today, and if they played like that every week they wouldn’t be bottom of the league. Our form has taken a dip, and some players are lacking a little in confidence and self-belief at the moment, but it is important to remember that we are still unbeaten in the league at home.’

Teams:-
Grays Athletic:- Barrett, Williams, Robinson, Lunan, Youds, Thurgood, Bradshaw, Carthy, Eastwood, Hayzelden, Griffiths Subs:- Marwa, Capleton, Remy, Lewis, Martin
Billericay Town:- Weaver, Graham, Henty, Sappleton, Reddington, Dormer, Black, Hunter, Okita, Davidson, Jones Subs:- Taylor, Tolan, Polston

Referee:- B. Chapman

Attendance:- 316

Your comments

Of course it's disappointing at the moment, but I don't think we are allowing for the fact that we are a young side who do not have the experience of turning in winning performances week in week out.

It's much better to put faith in this approach rather than go for the tired legs and bulging wallets we had last year. The support remains good so let's keep it that way.

Nice to hear from Stimmo in the report. He certainly sounds like he has no illusions about where we are at this year - not title winners, but in with a shout in the next couple of seasons if we continue to improve.

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