A JEFFERSON Louis inspired Margate ran out winners against a Billericay side struggling for consistency.

Louis scored both goals for the visitors but it was the home side who had the first chance.

Billericay came out strongly and perhaps should have been awarded a penalty after a Joe Benjamin shot looked to hit an arm as it travelled towards goal. Nothing was given and within minutes Matgate had taken the lead.

Matt Bodkin ran at Paul Rodgers before cutting inside, feinting, and shooting at goal. Lumley could only push the ball away and journeyman striker Jefferson Louis was alert enough to head past the scrambling keeper.

Isaac Layne had two chances to level the match but it was the visitors who came closest to extending their lead. Louis dipped inside and bent a shot against the crossbar from 20 yards, after the deftest of touches from Lumley kept the ball out.

Billericay came out fighting in the second half and should have equalised ten minutes into the second half. Ricay were awarded a penalty after a foul on Halle but Glenn Poole's effort was easily saved by Nikki Bull.

He was made to pay when, ten minutes later, the visitors were awarded a penalty of their own. Halle bundled over Bodkin and Louis stepped up to send Lumley the wrong way.

Billericay struggled to create chances after that and Margate held on for the victory.

See Monday's Echo for full report.