CRAIG Edwards says his “faith in football has been restored” after he watched Billericay Town reach the semi-finals of the Ryman League Cup in torrential rain on Monday night.

The Town manager saw his side beat Ryman One South side Whyteleafe 4-3 at New Lodge in a thrilling match which saw the underdogs come from four goals down to ensure the game ended in nervy fashion.

Goals from Rowan Liburd, Harry Baker and Glenn Poole as well as an own goal had put the hosts 4-0 up but Leafe fought back and Edwards was full of praise for them and referee Ali Ajibola.

“It was an absolutely cracking cup tie,” he said. “I was delighted the game was on and I went to see the referee after the game to say thank you for letting the game go ahead as we have had matches postponed for much less this season. My faith in football has been restored.”

“The pitch was wet but there were no injuries just committed tackles, some great goals and also some mistakes. It had everything and Whyteleafe played a big part in that so full credit to them.

“It was a real game to remember.”

Billericay started the game with striker Ricky Sappleton at centre-back but raced into an early lead, with 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, when Hary Baker volleyed 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 own goalkeeper and into the net.

But it was to get better for Town before the break, thanks to a sublime goal from veteran midfielder Poole, lobbing over the head of the away stopper and into the net.

And Edwards said he was looking at who he could rest at 4-0 up.

“I did take a look at my bench at that point,” he admitted. “But they made it really difficult for us and, although I was really disappointed with our second half performance, they did very well.”

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

Smith was on target once again to make it 4-2 after the break, before Jordan Bird found 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.