Brentwood Town are making the short trip to Billericay this Saturday, having had a weekend away from league action due to their opponents participation in the FA Trophy. It was a disappointing result against playoff contenders in Brentwood’s last home match and they will look to right that result here.
The Blues
Brentwood suffered a 4-1 defeat in their last match at home against a ruthless Cray Wanderers side. The visitors went 3-0 up within 30 minutes in a fantastic attacking display with Soul Kader scoring a brace, and Alex Hernandez picking up the other, before Lateef Adaja scored a fourth in first-half added time.
The second half was much more competitive display. Kymani Thomas scored a good solo goal in the 77th minute, and Charlee Hughes had the opportunity to half the score from the spot shortly afterwards, but saw his penalty saved by Harry Seaden.
The Blues remain second in the league, three points clear of Chatham Town, who have two games in hand. The two teams face off in a few weeks time, a game that could be pivotal in the play-off race.
Ricay
It was success for Billericay in their last league match away at Burgess Hill Town. The hosts took an early lead in the 14th minute through Max Fiddes, but the Blues equalised through an Alfie Cerulli penalty, and the striker would go on to score Billericay’s second in the 74th minute to win the match.
They were also in cup action on Monday night, losing 3-0 to Aveley in the semi-final of the BBC Essex Senior Cup (though there are question marks over The Millers fielding an ineligible player in the tie). In the league they remain 11th, 8 points below the playoff spots, so there is still an outside chance for Billericay to finish in the top 5.
One to watch is Alfie Cerulli who has four goals this season, however, three of them have come in the last two league matches, so he is starting to find his feet in front of goal, and will look to make it four goals from three games against Brentwood.
Final Word
It is a must win game for both teams, and the Blues will look to take the bragging rights once again, having won the reverse fixture 3-0 earlier this season. Billericay will want revenge for defeat, and will be desperate for a win in this Essex derby.
Words by Matthew Trevelyan
