Billericay eased into the second qualifying round of this seasons FA Cup as they beat Stotfold at New lodge on Saturday. Rob Swaine scored twice to set the Blues on their way before Dave Knight and Tony Boot headed home to seal the win.

After Tuesday’s stalemate with Concord, Billericay were without the services of Greg Oates, James Hawes and Jay May meaning recalls for Craig Edwards, Darryl Plummer and Tony Boot. In the absence of Oates, Rob Swaine was handed the captain’s armband.

The writing was on the wall for the visitors as early as the second minute when Rob Swaine reacted first to turn Sam Berry’s corner past Scott Waters for the opening goal.

The visitors reacted well to the early set-back and worked hard to get themselves a foothold in the game, closing down space in midfield and challenging for every ball. They were dealt a fatal blow on the half hour mark, however as Billericay scored twice in quick succession to extend their lead.

First Swaine scored his second goal of the game when Junior Luke picked him out with a cross that he headed past Waters. Then, minutes later, Tony Boot found Darryl Plummer on the left flank. His cross found Dave Knight in plenty of space and he duly headed home for Town’s third of the afternoon.

Torrential rain drenched the New Lodge pitch shortly before half time making for some difficult playing conditions, but Billericay added a fourth goal on the hour mark when the impressive Junior Luke crossed for Tony Boot to head home his first goal of the season.

To their credit, Stotfold kept working hard and almost grabbed a late consolation when Bobby Dance’s shot was pushed over by Nicky Morgan in the Billericay goal, but it was always going to be Town’s day.

Team: Morgan, Berry, Plummer, Kpaka (Thomas), Swaine, Thompson, Luke (Chatting), Edwards, Boot, Knight (Martin), Semakula
Subs not used: Turpin, Radley, May, Avery