CRAIG Edwards says he is excited at Billericay Town’s prospects after watching the spine of his team play together for the first time on Saturday.

Town drew 2-2 at Kingstonian, and it was the first time Edwards was able to name defenders Joe Ellul and George Beavan and midfielders Frankie Curley and Callum Dunne in the starting XI this season.

Injuries and suspensions have hindered the four so far this season but, after watching them play together, Edwards is confident they will play a key role in the team’s fortunes this campaign, hopefully beginning against VCD Athletic tonight.

“It is such a strong spine and when they are all fit we look a better team,” he said. “It was the first time they played together on Saturday and we looked good. Obviously Callum (Dunne) was lacking a bit of fitness but they will all get better and better and with Jack Giddens behind them and the goals flowing up front, we can be a really good team.

“George is rated 50/50 for tonight but hopefully he will be OK and we can push on. They are so committed and my team will always be.”

The Town boss was critical of Ejiro Okosieme, who left the club last week just a month after joining, saying he was tired only weeks into the new campaign.

Edwards praised the impact of striker Mike Fondop, fresh from seven goals in five games, and also his team’s tenacity having conceded a goal.

And he wants Billericay to continue their recent good form, which has seen them take 10 points from a possible 15, against VCD.

“We played well on Saturday and it is a good point,” said Edwards. “To come back so quickly having conceded and getting an equaliser is a real boost for morale and shows this team doesn’t give up.

“We have scored 16 in our last five games and Mike has seven of those. He has come in and done so well but what is exciting is he has so much to learn. If he can get into the right areas more he will keep scoring. And Tom (Derry) alongside him makes for a really strong front two.

“We played VCD only a few weeks ago and the way this fixture list has been done is ridiculous. It isn’t fair on teams who are going through a hard time as they are often playing sides who are winning and they can pick up some points. But we just have to do our job.”

Onome Sodje has joined Ryman One North side Cray Wanderers on loan, with Edwards admitting a move for Fondop meant a player had to go the other way.