Match report by Simon Williams.
Photos by Amanda Protheroe.

Billericay's first defeat of the season came in an entertaining game at a Kingstonian side among the pre-season favourites for the title. Billericay were the architects of their own downfall early on as they gifted their hosts a two goal lead, but battled well to get back on terms before succumbing to a brace of late penalties.

Town made three changes to the side that opened the season with Dave Collis coming in for Greg Oates at right back and Evans Kouassi and Cedric Ngakam getting the nod in midfield.

Both sides had their moments in the opening twenty minutes although neither keeper was unduly troubled. That all changed in the twentieth minute when Bobby Traynor capitallised on an under-hit backpass to nip in and lob Ashlee Jones. Seven minutes later Billericay gave away another sloppy goal when Getro Kilapi was unable to clear from under the crossbar, presenting Alan Thompson with a simple tap in.

Billericay were rocking but they battled their way back into the game and pulled a goal back when Dave Collis let fly from twenty five yards with a left foot screamer that gave home 'keeper Rob Tolfrey no chance.

Matt Hall was introduced for the unfortunate Kilapi at half time and his first significant contribution was to play a deft pass out to Danny Charge whose low cross was turned in by Leon McKenzie.

With the half opening up, Dean Lodge drew a fine diving save from Jones with a fierce shot that saw the Billericay 'keeper dive full length to keep out. Jones produced another reflex save to keep Simon Huckle's header out.

Ryan O'Rawe was introduced for the final fifteen minutes and almost made an immediate impact when he was picked out by a free kick but was unable to keep his shot down. At the other end Lodge hit the post with a good shot, whilst a Kingstonian goal was ruled out for offside.

As the game moved into the final minutes, Kingstonian were awarded a penalty when Chris Wild tangled with Lodge. Traynor converted from the spot. Cedric Ngakam then became the first Billericay player to see red this season for a tackle on Max Hustwick. In what was the last action of the match, Kingstonian were awarded a second penalty when Lodge again went down in the area. Traynor again beat Jones to complete his hat-trick.

KINGSTONIAN

Team: Rob Tolfrey, Dean Hamlin, Tom Bird, Tobi Jinadu, Gary MacDoanld, Simon Huckle, Matt Gray, Max Hustwick, Bobby Traynor, Adam Thompson (c), Dean Lodge

Subs Not Used: Sam Clayton, Carl Wilson-Denis, Jean-Sylvain Dossou, Lee Hall, Nic Taylor

Goalscorers: Bobby Traynor (20m, 80m (Pen), 90+3m (Pen), Adam Thompson (27m)

Yellow Cards: Tom Bird (33m), Gary McDonald (90+1m)

Red Cards: None


BILLERICAY TOWN

Team: Ashlee Jones, Dave Collis, Andre Humphrey-Modeste, Getro Kilapi (Matt Hall HT), Chris Wild, Ian Cousins (c), Cedric Ngakam, Micah Hyde, Leon McKenzie, Danny Charge (Ryan O'Rawe 78m), Evans Kouassi

Subs Not Used: Adam Flanagan, Gareth Street, Sheikh Ceesay

Goalscorers: Dave Collis (35m), Leon McKenzie (46m)

Yellow Cards: Leon McKenzie (37m), Cedric Ngakam (45+2m)

Red Cards: Cedric Ngakam (85m)


HT: 2-1
Attendance: 385


Referee: Harry Lennard
Assistant Referees: Martyn Milligan, Kevin Roberts