Match report by Simon Williams.
Photos by Amanda Protheroe.

Billericay pulled themselves out of the bottom four on Tuesday when a Michael Shinn goal just after half time was enough to give them victory over runaway league-leaders Dartford.

Town boss Brian Statham made two changes following the last minute defeat at Ashford; former Sutton 'keeper Paul Nicholls came in for Andy Walker whilst Simon Thomas' absence meant a recall for Shinn as Billericay reverted to a 4-5-1 formation.

With both sides missing their top scorers, the first half was a little short on goalmouth action. The visitors shaded possession, but lacked a cutting edge up front whilst Town, with Danny Green to the fore, looked lively on the counter attack. With the Billericay back four clearly out to make amends for the weekend game, Nicholls' first half was largely untroubled. His opposite number, Andrew Young had a little more to do, keeping out efforts from James Baker and Russell Pond.

The game was decided a minute after the half time break. The effervescent pond broke on the right and although he couldn't get a clean shot away, the Dartford defence were unable to clear their lines and the ball eventually fell for Shinn who fired home.

Dartford pushed forward in search of an equalliser, introducing Lee Noble and Adam Burchell, and it was Burchell who went closest for the visitors when he was denied b a sprawling stop from Nicholls.

With Town hanging on in the final ten minutes, the last thing they needed was for the game to be held up, but when the referee pulled up lame they had an unwelcome break whilst a replacement official could be found. When play restarted, Billericay had two minutes, plus stoppages, to keep Dartford at bay which they managed to do to pull up the table.

BILLERICAY TOWN

Team: Paul Nicholls, Dave McSweeney, Ian Cousins (c), Michael Shinn, Lee Kersey, Chris Wild, Danny Green, Matt Hall, James Baker, Russell Pond, Danny Slatter

Subs Not Used: Russell Malton, Dave Wareham, Gareth Street, Greg Oates, Andy Walker

Goalscorers: Michael Shinn (46m)

Yellow Cards: Chris Wild (28m), Michael Shinn (76m)

DARTFORD

Team: Andrew Young, Billy Burgess, Adam Gross, John Beales, Jamie Coyle (c), Danny Dafter (Adam Flanagan 77m), Ryan Hayes, Ryan Johnson, Rob Howorth (Adam Burchell 71m), Elliot Bradbrook (James White 77m), Danny Harris

Subs Not Used: Lee Noble, Tony Kessell

Goalscorers: None

Yellow Cards: Elliot Bradbrook (38m), Ryan Johnson (40m), Danny Dafter (66m), Jamie Coyle (83m)

HT: 0-0
Attendance: 514

Referee: H. Lennard
Assistant Referees: A. Yahiaoui, N. Grote
Substitute Assistant Referee: T. Veitch