Match report by Simon Williams.
Photos by Amanda Protheroe.

Billericay left it late to edge out local rivals Canvey on Bank Holiday Monday, Danny Charge's 78th minute goal being all that separated the two sides. With the nascent league table now beginning to take shape, the win keeps the Blues in touch with the leading sides, important given that most observers considered Town's start to be among the toughest.

Billericay had some bad injury news before the game with Evans Kouassi missing out with a knee injury that seems likely to require an operation. Their other flying winger, Junior Luke was sitting out the last of his four game suspension, carried over from last season.

With Luke and Kouassi unavailable, Billericay were left short on pace in attack, and for all the efforts of their midfield, they were unable to force visiting 'keeper James Russell into any saves of note before half time. The visitors fared no better in the first half, with the Billericay rearguard in typically miserly form preventing them from troubling Ashlee Jones. In truth, Billericay had the better of the possession and it was only during five minutes of sloppy play shortly before half time that Canvey got any kind of opportunities to attack.

The game opened up slightly after the interval with both sides enjoying their best chances of the game so far. Billericay's came when Dave Collis capitallised on a mistake from former Blue Ashley Dumas, playing in Leon McKenzie on the Town right. McKenzie's cross found Ryan O'Rawe but, under pressure from Steve Ward, he screwed his shot wide.

At the other end, Canvey went close when a deep cross found Danny Heale in a good position, but his header was weak and failed to hit the target.

With the defences well on top, it looked as though a set piece might be the most likely source of a goal for both sides, with Chris Wild doing well at both ends of the pitch at corners.

The deadlock was finally broken twelve minutes from time when Leon Mckenzie did well on the right flank before crossing into the area. With Cedric Ngakam and Andre Humphrey-Modeste challenging for the ball, Canvey were unable to clear their lines and when it broke to Danny Charge he took a touch before firing home.

The game opened up and it looked as though Town might add to their lead. Humphrey Modeste lead a quick break after Dumas had conceded possession cheaply, but his cross was blocked by Rob King. Charge could have doubled his lead when picked out by a long pass from Ian Cousins, but he couldn't keep his shot down. One goal always looked like it might be enough against a largely toothless Canvey side, and so it proved as Billericay ran out deserved winners.

BILLERICAY TOWN

Team: Ashlee Jones, Greg Oates, Adam Flanagan, Dave Collis (Matt Hall 60m), Chris Wild, Ian Cousins (c), Cedric Ngakam, Micah Hyde, Leon McKenzie, Danny Charge, Ryan O'Rawe (Andre Humphrey-Modeste 70m)

Subs Not Used: Walid Matata, Gareth Street, Sheik Ceesay

Goalscorers: Danny Charge (68m)

Yellow Cards: Adam Flanagan (65m)

Red Cards: None

CANVEY ISLAND

Team: James Russell, Andy West (Isa Hussain 88m), Ashley Dumas, Rob King, Chris Moore (c), Steve Ward, Matt Game, Danny Heale (Jason Hallet 68m), John Curran (Kevin Dobinson 79m), James Rowe, Alex Rhodes

Subs Not Used: Jon Edwards, Frank Everett

Goalscorers: None

Yellow Cards: None

Red Cards: None

HT: 0-0
Attendance: 628

Referee: R. Hyde
Assistant: Referees: T. King, M. Quinn