Billericay Town 1-1 Harlow Town

(Sappleton 36’: Da Costa 10’)

From New Lodge

Ryman Premier League

RICKY Sappleton’s powerful free-kick saved a point for Billericay Town as Harlow Town proved stubborn opposition at New Lodge.

In front of new owner Glenn Tamplin, Billericay fell behind after 10 minutes following Khale da Costa’s strike, as they looked to respond to back-to-back defeats in the last week.

And Sappleton ensured it was not to be three on the spin as he guided an excellent free-kick beyond the dive of former East Thurrock United goalkeeper David Hughes 10 minutes before the break.

The opening goal was a scrappy affair, with Jack Giddens largely unsighted in the home goal as the ball beat him.

But Billericay improved and deservedly equalised through Sappleton’s free-kick, although the man-of-the-match was arguably the home goalkeeper.

Giddens was called upon to make a number of outstanding saves as Billericay looked to forge ahead in the closely-contested match.

It appeared as though Pierre Hazet had won it for Billericay in injury-time but his poked effort was shovelled clear on the goal-line.

Billericay Town: Giddens, Vancooten, Cross, Adelowo, Sappleton (Hazet), Yusuff, Hubble (Cojocarel), Capela (Russell), Krasniqi, Nesbitt