BILLERICAY Town remain three points from safety in the National League South, despite their impressive 2-0 victory over Dulwich Hamlet at the New Lodge on Saturday.

Jody Brown’s side netted twice in the opening 16 minutes, Femi Akinwande and Dylan Gavin on target.

But Braintree Town, who occupy the spot above them in the table, also picked up three points as they beat St Albans City 1-0, keeping Billericay rooted to the foot of the sixth tier standings.

Elsewhere in the division, Concord Rangers grabbed their first win of the calendar year as they comprehensively beat Havant and Waterlooville 3-1 at the Aspect Arena.

Nana Kyei, Danny Green and Ben Williamson all worked their way onto the scoresheet, and while former Shrewsbury Town forward Stefan Payne grabbed a consolation for the visitors, Chris Search’s side’s dominant performance was full value for the points maximum.

Victory saw the Beach Boys move up to 15th in the standings.

Meanwhile, in the Isthmian Premier, Bowers and Pitsea also enjoyed a successful afternoon as they impressively saw off Corinthian Casuals 3-0.

Lewis Manor was at the double for Rob Small’s side, either side of a Michael Adimiluy strike, to help Bowers up to 18th in the table, 11 points from the relegation zone.

Fellow Isthmian Premier side East Thurrock United picked up a respectable point at home against Margate, playing out a 0-0 draw, but remain bottom of the seventh tier table.

The Rocks are nine points from safety.

A monumental clash in the Isthmian North saw Aveley equalise late on against Canvey Island, as no side made a notable dent in the other’s promotion hopes.

At the start of the day, Aveley sat top of the table with the Gulls chasing just a point behind in second, and the share of the spoils keeps Danny Scopes’ side at the summit, while Brad Wellmen’s Canvey slid to third.

But still just one point separates the two sides.

Elsewhere, an eventful encounter had Heybridge Swifts run out 4-3 victors against play-off hopefuls Hashtag United.

Hullbridge Sports continued their improved run of form as Joe Gregory scored a 90th minute leveller to earn a 1-1 draw against Great Wakering Rovers.

And, in Friday night action, Marc Benterman continued his strong start as Basildon United boss, beating Barking 3-1 away from home.

Fahad Nyanja bagged a brace with Daniel McCullock also on target, to send the Bees up to 13th.