BILLERICAY Town edged past lower-league opposition to qualify for the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.

Goals from Richard Halle from the penalty spot and Ricky Sappleton proved enough to see off 10-man Raynes Park Vale at New Lodge, and give Billericay their first win since the last round of the competition.

Craig Edwards was looking for a quick start from his team and they duly obliged. Nifty footwork in the area from Rowan Liburd saw his heels clipped by Shane McEntaggert, leaving the referee little choice but to point to the spot as he hit the floor.

Rich Halle stepped up and slotted home his 6th of the season.

Chris Benjamin was involved moments later after his jinking run saw him brought down in the box but, to the dismay of the home crowd he waved away claims for a second spot kick.

Raynes Park Vale were reduced to 10 men when goalkeeper Sam Filler came racing out of his box to punch clear, despite a host of covering defenders. Filler was red carded and Glenn Poole hit the crossbar from the resulting free-kick.

Despite Billericay’s dominance it should have been 1-1 before the half hour mark.

Interplay down the right saw Callum Forbes shrug off the attentions of Jeffrey Imudia but his high drive was pushed to one side by Billy Lumley.

It was the introduction of Ricky Sappleton that spurred Town back into life, with his close range shot brilliantly shovelled wide by Kevin Wheller.

 

But the big frontman did get on the scoresheet with 15 minutes to go – albeit in controversial circumstances. A lofted ball saw Sappleton comes together with the onrushing Wheller, with the ball dropping in.

Everyone appeared to be waiting for the whistle but it never came and Billericay seemed to be home and dry.

But Simon Moore smashed home from close range as the home players appealed for offside to half the scoreline.

Sappleton and Benjamin had chances to extend the lead, the latter hitting the bar when scoring seemed easier but Billericay held out to move into the next round.

Billericay Town: Lumley, Beavan (O’Hanlon), Halle, Scott, Imudia, Edwards, Poole, Lechmere, Appiah (Ferguson), Liburd (Sappleton), Benjamin

 

Other results:

Met Police 3-4 East Thurrock United

Wealdstone 1-1 Concord Rangers

Burnham 0-1 Canvey Island