Billericay Town 4-3 Whyteleafe

From New Lodge

Ryman League Cup

 

BILLERICAY Town are into the last four of the Ryman League Cup after winning a thrilling encounter 4-3 against Whyteleafe.

Town came into the match as favourites, sitting a league above their Ryman One South opponents and Craig Edwards’ side showed their superiority in the first half, roaring into a 4-0 lead.

But a goal before half-time and two in the second period made it nervy towards the end for the hosts, although they were able to hang on and book their place in the semi-finals.

It was touch and go whether the game would go ahead prior to kick-off with the game coming down in torrents, but the referee deemed the New Lodge pitch to be playable.

And Billericay started the game on fire, with Rowan Liburd heading home at the near post for his 10th goal of the season after 11 minutes.

Five minutes later the lead had been doubled, with Harry Baker volleying home from outside the penalty area and before the half was 25 minutes old the game appeared to be beyond the visitors.

Baker’s free-kick was floated towards the penalty spot but Leafe’s Tommy Smith could only flick it beyond his goalkeeper and into the net.

But it was to get better for Town before the break, thanks to a sublime goal from veteran Glenn Poole. The midfielder broke from his half and sent a fine lob over the head of the away stopper and into the net.

It was 4-1 before the break, when Smith made up for his own goal to volley home at the far post.

But Whyteleafe never gave up, and a comeback looked on the cards when Smith was on target once again to strike home after confusion in the Town penalty box.

Joe Wright saved from Graham Bentley before Leafe closed to within one goal with 10 minutes remaining, Jordan Bird finding the net.

But Town hung on to join Margate, Maidstone United and Grays Athletic in the last four. The draw is expected to be next week.