Rushden and Diamonds 1, Billericay Town 0 (From Echo)

Rushden and Diamonds 1, Billericay Town 0

11:00am Monday 14th December 2009

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RYMAN Premier Billericay’s brave bid for FA Trophy glory came to an end at Blue Square Premier hosts who play two levels above them.

But it took a stunning 73rd-minute free-kick from Aaron O’Connor to see the home side through to today’s second round draw.

With striker James Baker and defender Dave McSweeney suspended — and with two other recent signings cup-tied — Town were stretched for numbers at Nene Park.

But they put on a tremendous backs-to-the-wall performance against a side managed by ex-New Lodge boss Justin Edinburgh and until that late goal looked set to earn a home replay.

Having seen his side lose their three previous games, former Spurs and Southend United full-back Edinburgh admitted to being pleased with the result and added: “Billericay set their stall out and worked really hard and it took a piece of brilliance to unlock them.

“Without creating too many chances I thought we looked comfortable today but we were anxious as well bearing in mind we’d had three defeats on the trot.”

His opposite number Brian Statham said: “We came here with a game plan and it worked until the 73rd minute so overall we’re very disappointed with the outcome.”

The hosts enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession although finding a way through Billericay’s plan of putting 10 men behind the ball proved difficult.

Early on Lee Tomlin’s header went straight into the arms of outstanding visiting keeper Andy Walker, and Curtis Osano saw his thunderous drive from the edge of the area dip just over.

Mark Payne, Paul Terry and Craig Farrell all fired over before O’Connor’s run-and-scoring effort was thwarted when Billericay skipper Ian Cousins raced back to clear his deflected effort off the line.

Then defensive strongman Lee Kersey did well to clear Michael Corcoran’s effort from the edge of the box.

Diamonds continued to pile forward after the break but could find no way past man-of-the-match Walker.

He thwarted O’Connor again before substitute Matt Patti-son’s volley went just over.

Walker was finally beaten after Tomlin was upended just outside the box. O’Connor’s set-piece cleared the defensive wall and hit the left-hand corner of the net.

Frustrated Billericay left the field to discover that their hopes of continuing their fight against relegation tomorrow night have been thwarted.

They were due to go to Ashford Town to meet Maidstone United, but instead the Kent club will be hosting a Trophy game with Histon which was postponed on Saturday due to a waterlogged pitch.

Having won their last two league games, Town will now look to further boost their bid to beat the drop at Wealdstone next Saturday.

l Canvey Island, out of action on Saturday, dropped to fifth spot in the Ryman Premier. They are also left with no action tomorrow as scheduled hosts Hendon have instead been forced to play a Middlesex Senior Cup tie on the night.

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