BILLERICAY Town striker Chris Benjamin is hoping to make the perfect impression on the opening day of the season, by helping his new side beat his former employers.

Benjamin joined Billericay two weeks ago, just a month after he had agreed to rejoin Grays, but left after his namesake Joe Benjamin joined Athletic.

And the former Leyton Orient trainee said he wanted to enjoy a new challenge at Billericay.

“When Joe Benjamin told me he was going to Grays I thought it might be a good time for me to look elsewhere,” said Benjamin.

“Grays have a lot of forwards and although I am happy to fight for my place this move came at a good time for me.

Benjamin made his debut in Town’s 2-2 pre-season draw with Dagenham & Redbridge, scoring the first goal and linking up well with fellow forward Ricky Sappleton.

And Benjamin, 21, says that relationship is one he believes could be prosperous for Billericay.

“I thought I fit into the team quite well,” he said. “It was like me and Sapps (Sappleton) had been playing together for a while and I enjoyed working with him. I was pleased we forged a decent partnership in that first game and I am confident it will continue.

“There are some good strikers at the club (including Rowan Liburd and Junior Appiah) and we are all eager to push Billericay forward this season.”

Sappleton has scored 34 career goals to date and averages a goal in just over every two games, a record he is hoping to improve upon, beginning with Grays tomorrow.

“I can’t wait to play against Grays on the first day. Of course, it is all about getting off to a good start and the three points is what it is all about but there is a bit extra in me that wants to score, because it’s Grays. I know I can help the team do well.”

And Benjamin says everyone at the club has only one goal this season.

“The manager (Craig Edwards) wants to win the league. He has done it before and he wants people with that mentality in the squad to send us up again.

“We think we can achieve that.”