BILLERICAY will hope their miserly defence continues tonight when they host highflying Lowestoft Town.

Town have not conceded a goal at home this year, and have three wins from three at fortress New Lodge.

But they needed a last-gasp penalty from new-signing Hakeem Araba to earn a point at Harrow on Saturday, and manager Craig Edwards is prepared for their toughest test of the season from newly-promoted Town, who currently sit second in the Ryman Premier.

Edwards said: “They have spent well so it will be a tough game.

“But I will be looking for a reaction from my side because they got a rollicking after the Harrow game.

“So if they have got anything about them — which I am sure they have — I expect them to come out all guns blazing.”

CONCORD RANGERS, who lost James Elmes to an ankle ligament injury during Saturday’s defeat to Tonbridge Angels, have signed left-sided midfielder James Hawes from Conference South-side Boreham Wood.

He will go straight into the squad for the Beach Boys as they make the arduous two-hour jaunt down to the south coast this evening for a league clash with sixth-placed Hastings United.

Joint manager Danny Scopes said: “Hastings have made a good start and they’ve got nice facilities down there, so it will be a nice ground to go to, even if it is a pain to get to on a Tuesday.

“But we’ll be on the coach with plenty of time to spare and make sure the preparation is right.

“I know they were one of the early favourites, but we have done our homework on them and we’ll go there looking to pick up a result and get back on track.”

CANVEY ISLAND, who drew with Cray Wanderers on Saturday, will look to return to winning ways when they host third-placed Bury Town at the Brockwell Stadium this evening.