Bilericay Town ladies march on in cup

Town had to comeback from a goal down against their north Essex rivals.

But the Eastern Region Premier Division leaders netted four in each half to make the last four.

Billericay manager Kim Coster said: “This was a solid team performance from us.

“My two strikers were in form, scoring six of the eight, and my midfield four were awesome.

“Much respect to Takeley as they never gave up and gave us a good game of football. I have no doubt they will gain promotion this season.”

Billericay had the better of the early stages but were unable to score due to good goalkeeping and defending.

And it was the visitors who took the lead in the 20th minute when Town keeper Michelle Bridgeman punched a corner clear but it fell to a Takeley striker, who scored from the edge of the box.

Town equalised in the 35th minute when Nikki Dunsdon slotted the ball under the Takeley goalkeeper after she had parried Dunsdon’s initial effort.

Silverton netted her first goal after running on to a Fran Lainsey chip over the Takeley defence.

Taking the lead for the first time settled Billericay and Silverton made it 3-1 in the 40th minute.

Steph Poleykett ensured the host finished the half on a high by scoring from the edge of the box after a good run down the wing.

Both teams played well after the break but Town broke up Takeley’s attacks before Lainsey won a header and then scored to make it 5-1.

Billericay regained poessesion straight from the restart and set up Silverton for her hat-trick in the 56th minute.

Six minutes later Dunsdon made it 7-1 when she beat three defenders before looping the ball over the keeper. Lainey then set up Silverton in the 66th minute for her fourth goal of the afternoon.

The semi-final draw takes place this afternoon, with C&K Basildon also in the hat.

The quarter-finals between Barking v Brentwood and Colchester Town v West Ham are still to be played, with the semi-finals scheduled for Sunday, February 16.