Dulwich Hamlet 1–3 Billericay Town

(Carew 45’ (p): Bricknell 43’, 71’ (p), Robinson 86’)

From Champion Hill

Isthmian Premier League

BILLERICAY Town landed an early psychological blow in their bid for the title by securing a 3-1 win at Dulwich Hamlet.

Billy Bricknell’s brace and a stunning late goal from Jake Robinson handed Billericay the points.

Dubbed an early battle between the two title favourites, Billericay wanted a similar result and performance that saw them triumph 3-0 in this fixture last year.

But Dulwich made the early running. Several shots went wide, while Louie Theophanous scuffed an effort into the goalkeeper’s arms up the other end.

Rob Swaine headed over, and Sam Deering struck straight into Preston Edwards’ gloves as Billericay grew into the match.

But Alan Julian still needed to be alert to tip over up the other end.

Town edged in front two minutes before half-time, Bricknell finding space and firing clinically into the corner.

But two minutes later it was all square. Leo Chambers committed a foul in the box and Ashley Carew crashed home from 12 yards.

That was Chambers’ last act as he was withdrawn at half-time.

Town created a number of second-half chances but it was once again Bricknell that restored the away side’s advantage - scoring from the spot.

But the best was yet to come. Robinson scored his second of the season with a tremendous long-range effort that left Edwards stranded.

Billericay Town: Julian, Foley, Konchesky, Chambers (Paine 45’), Swaine, Deering, Pennant (Modeste 70’), Waldren, Bricknell, Theophanous, Robinson