BILLERICAY Town's hopes of getting a massive boost prior to Saturday's first ever meeting with Football League opposition ended in disappointment at New Lodge last night.

The hosts, who take on League One high-fliers Swansea at home on Saturday in an all-ticket FA Cup first round proper tie before a 3,000 crowd, were thwarted in their efforts to make further progress in the FA Trophy.

Only an injury-time goal had stopped them beating highly-rated British Gas Business League Premier side King's Lynn at the first attempt in this second qualifying round tie.

But last night, after Town had gone into the interval 1-0 up following a goal from skipper Jamie Dormer after great play by Bradley Woods-Garness, the visiting Linnets took over after the break.

They equalised on 58 minutes through Ben Chapman, went in front five minutes later thanks to Greg Crane's superbly struck free-kick, and grabbed a third from the penalty spot thanks to Michael Frew five minutes from time.

It had all looked like being so different in the opening half. With Saturday's big cup tie very much in mind, Billericay manager Matt Jones, without injured Dave McSweeney and Lee Hodges, left ace marksman Joe Flack - 19 goals in 17 appearances - on the bench.

Flack did come on after Billericay fell 2-1 behind, but the penalty sunk Billericay's hopes and left the Linnets to play Blue Square South leaders Eastbourne Borough at home on November 24th in the third qualifying round.

Billericay had come close to getting the perfect start when midflelder Paull Abbott fired in a superb swerving shot after seven minutes, but visiting keeper Scott Howie beat out the effort.

The Linnets' Frew was in a good position on the quarter-hour, but could get no power behind his shot and the ball fell tamely into goalkeeper Billy McMahon's arms.

Tony Boot came close to putting fellow striker Woods-Garness in soon after, but Howie saw the danger and raced from his goal to block.

But he had no answer after 21 minutes when Woods-Garness sent the ball across goal for Dormer to fire home.