Billericay increased the pressure on those below them with a 2-1 victory over Aveley at New Lodge extending their lead at the top to 5 points.

Craig Edwards gave a start to Harrison Chatting and there was also a starting berth for Emike Onwubiko as the Blues manager changed his starting line-up from Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Margate.

Aveley arrived at New Lodge boasting an array of Ex-Blues. Keeper Dave McCartney was joined by ‘Big Ced’, Paul Shave, Joe Keith, Sean Bonnett-Johnson, Evans Kouassi and David Knight as players who have worn the famous Blue shirt. The Blues looked the most lively in the opening exchanges but were dealt a blow when Craig Edwards limped off after 18 minutes to be replaced by Benson Kpaka. The momentum was still with the league leaders with a rejuvenated Harrison Chatting leading the way. He was ably backed up by an effervescent Onwubiko and it was those two who had a hand in the opening goal. Chatting’s run down the wing saw him chopped down with Collis taking the resulting free-kick. His flighted ball found Swaine whose headed pass to Onwubiko was gleefully nutted home. The Blues were now in control. Junior Luke was finding time and space down the right and his crosses were a constant source of threat to the Aveley defence. Jay May and Chatting both went close but the Blues were given a let off when Kouassi raced through on goal only to pull his shot wide.

The second half was only five minutes old when the visitors equalised. A Sean Bonnett-Johnson free-kick was spilled by Brightly allowing Knight to fire home the rebound. But the Blues were not be denied and they created several chances before Onwubiko swooped for his sixth goal in six games following a Junior Luke long throw. It was Luke who then volleyed against the post and Neil Cousins skimmed the cross bar with a header. Both Harrison Chatting and Richard Halle missed glorious opportunities to extend the lead. Rob Swaine received a yellow card late in the game for clattering Knight before Aveley defender Harry Milton was red-carded following his clumsy challenge on Junior Luke.

The Blues now travel to Concord Rangers on Saturday for another tough Essex derby, but will travel in confidence looking to boost their title credentials.

Team: Brightly, Berry, Collis, Swaine, Wild, Edwards (Kpaka 18), Luke, May (Cousins 75), Onwubiko, Chatting, Halle
Subs not used: Oates, Hawes, Ottley