Match report by Simon Williams.
Photos by Our Undercover Photographer.

Billericay's FA Trophy run came to an end on Saturday after Rushden and Diamonds' seventy third minute goal finally broke their stubborn resistance. The conference side had to work hard to get their win and the large number of travelling supporters that made the trip from Billericay can reflect that the Blues were just twenty minutes away from forcing a replay.

Billericay started a little nervously, with a few wayward passes gifting the home side the opportunity to attack. Craig Farell set the tone in the opening minutes with a shot that was blocked by Ian Cousins, whilst the highly-rated Gavin Tomlin should have done better with a header that went over the bar. Billericay slowly began to get more into the game, and as their defence gained in confidence so Rushden were reduced to shooting from distance. They even began to create a few half chances. Billy Bricknell's persistence afforded him a sight of goal but he couldn't get his shot on target, whilst a good run from Dave Wareham was stopped by 'keeper Dale Roberts.

Rushden started the second half in determined mood. Craig Farrell drew a good save from Andy Walker with a shot that the Town stopper dived to push behind. The lively Aaron O'Connor then saw his shot beaten away by Walker with Greg Oates completing the clearance. Town were almost gifted a shock goal when Jamie Stuart swung a boot at a Dave Wareham cross and missed, the ball seemed to hit his standing leg and almost deceived Roberts who made a decent save.

Rushden maintained the pressure with Farrell twice denied by Walker, and they finally broke through seventeen minutes from time. A free kick was awarded for a foul by Michael Shinn, and O'Connor stepped up and lifted his shot over the wall and past Walker's dive.

In the absence of Baker, Billericay were short of options in attack, and although they did throw on Harrison Chatting they were unable to make much impression on the Diamonds' rearguard. The best chance fell to Danny Green whose shot from the edge of the area went wide.

RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS

Team: Dale Roberts, Curtis Osano, Kurt Robinson, Max Porter, Jamie Stuart(c), Aaron O'Connor (Jefferson Louis 90+4m), Craig Farrell, (Cliff Akurang 70m), Lee Tomlin, Michael Corcoran, Mark Byrne (Matt Pattison 59m), Paul Terry.

Subs Not Used: Joe Day, Jack Ainsley.

Goalscorers:  Aaron O'Connor (74m)

Yellow Cards: Paul Terry (45+2m), Lee Tomlin (58m)

Red Cards: None

BILLERICAY TOWN

Team: Andy Walker, Greg Oates (Harrison Chatting 86m), Ashley Dumas, Michael Shinn, Lee Kersey, Ian Cousins(c), Danny Green, Russell Pond, Dave Wareham (Matt Hall 72m), Billy Bricknell, Danny Slatter.

Subs Not Used: Luca Frankis, Ryan O'Rawe, Lewis Lockyer.
 
Goalscorers: None

Yellow Cards: Russell Pond (32m), Michael Shinn (73m), Greg Oates (84m), Danny Slatter (85m)

Red Cards: None

HT: 0-0
Attendance: 696 (157 away)

Referee: Mr A.Fielding (Oxford)
Assistant Referees: R. Patterson, P.J. Hobday
Fourth Official: W. Chalmers