Billericay increased their lead at the top of the Ryman Premier League with a well earned point at play-off chasing Bury Town.

Manager Craig Edwards made four changes to the side that defeated Harrow just two days earlier. Greg Oates was well enough to take his place at right back with Sam Berry getting the nod in right midfield for Neil Cousins. Chris Wild was restored alongside Rob Swaine in the centre of defence whilst Harrison Chatting came in for Glenn Poole. The Blues have never beaten Bury having suffered a 'double' the previous season and drawing 4-4 at New Lodge in an amazing encounter in August. The game started at a frenetic pace with neither side able to dominate proceedings. A fussy referee was not helping the cause with a number of contentious decisions. Bury took the lead on 19 minutes when Dale Brightly could only parry Hippersons shot, Sam Reed reacted the quickest to stoop to head in. Jay May then missed a half chance when he half volleyed over the bar from the edge of the area. Dale Brightly then had to be alert to punch away a corner from underneath his crossbar but the Blues drew level when Jay May burst into the penalty area before calmly slotting home for his first goal in 10 games. A Dave Collis challenge on the Bury number 4 sparked a melee between opposing players. The number four, pole-axed by Collis' shoulder lay helplessly stricken on the floor before miraculously bouncing back to health to remonstrate with Richard Halle. It was an all to familiar scene throughout the afternoon.

The second period started strongly for the home side and they fluffed a good opportunity when Reed failed to make the most of his chance when well placed. The Blues though gradually took control and came close on a number of occasions including three goaline clearances in quick succession, the closest coming from Onwubike’s vicious volley which was cleared by combination of keeper and two defenders. With the game in its last stages and Bury defending for their lives, Onwubike appeared to have his legs taken away in the penalty area, the referee waved away the vociferous appeals. Sam Berry could’ve won it with the last kick of the game but he fired over following a goalmouth scramble. It was a decent point for the Blues which keeps them top of the league going into 2012.

Team: Brightly, Oates, Brightly, Oates, Hawes, Swaine, Wild, Halle, Collis, Berry, Onwubike, May (Cousins), Chatting (Poole)
Subs not used: Sobers, Radley, Ottley